United by Lytle search, a community finds grief

After searching for the missing boy, after covering public bulletin boards with his photographs, after driving all over Stevens County and beyond in hopes of spotting him, the people of Colville can only mourn.

The body of Chris Lytle – the 17-year-old who disappeared more than three months ago – was recovered Monday from a steep, rugged cliff area of the Douglas Falls Campground, according to the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say there was no indication of foul play.

Now, the community that rallied to find the youth and reach out to all missing children has put its arms around a family in grief.

In the last few days, people from throughout Colville have prayed for the Lytle family, sent cards, cooked meals, and offered sympathy and support.

Families have donated money toward funeral costs. One individual offered to build a casket. The stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has organized a luncheon after next Tuesday’s memorial service.

“The people in Colville love the Lytle family, and they want to do whatever they can to help,” said Valerie Williams, a close family friend. “This affects everyone in our community. There’s been such an outpouring of love and support.”

Chris Lytle, a straight-A student and Eagle Scout, was last seen March 19 a few miles north of town at the Douglas Falls Campground. The Stevens County Explorer Search and Rescue team spent days searching the campground after the Lytles filed a missing person report, but no sign of the boy was discovered until this weekend.

On Sunday, hikers found items in a cliff area of the campground and alerted authorities. Deputies checked the area until dark, according to the sheriff’s office. On Monday, sheriff and police detectives found Chris’ remains.

A forensic examination by Stevens County Coroner Patty Hancock was conducted Tuesday to determine the cause of death.

“We needed to know in order to heal,” said Chris’ mother, Jenny Lytle.

“We believe he has gone to his heavenly home,” she said. “Chris is a beloved brother and son who has taught us much and will continue to teach us. We believe our family will be together forever, and the cords that bind us together are stronger than death.”

Lifted up by their faith, Jenny and J.C. Lytle have spent the last few days at home with their seven children, ages 20 months to 18. Chris was the second oldest.

“Our priority right now is our children, who have many, many questions,” said Jenny Lytle.

Last month, several hundred people gathered at the high school for a program to raise awareness of missing and exploited children. The event included music, speakers, educational material and a 600-yard-long yellow ribbon to symbolize Chris’ absence and show support for him and other children who have been reported missing.

“The community event was something that the Lytle family felt inspired to do,” Williams said. “They put aside their personal uneasiness about putting their family out there so that the community could come together and raise awareness of how we need to look out for one another and to be aware of all the children of the community.”

As they grieve for Chris, the family can only pray and seek solace in God, Williams said.

“There’s a scripture that says, ‘I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up,’ ” said Jenny Lytle, quoting from “The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

“The angels are all around us in our home and our community is bearing us up.”