1-04-2025 10:21pm

"God Blessed Me Today": Long Island Father Reacts After His Daughter is Found Following 25 Days of Being Missing

Samantha Hespos Editor

LONG ISLAND, NY — According to Suffolk police on Friday, Emma Gervasi, the 14-year-old girl from Patchogue who had been unaccounted for over the past 25 days, has been successfully located. This news brings relief to her family and the community after a prolonged search for her whereabouts.

Further information concerning the specific circumstances of Emma's recovery has not yet been disclosed to the public. However, several sources have reported to News 12 that she was discovered on a boat located in the canal near the White Cap Fish Market in Islip.

Currently, her father, Frank Gervasi, has not been reachable for immediate comments regarding the situation. Nevertheless, he took to Facebook on Friday afternoon, where he expressed his overwhelming emotions by stating, "God gave me a gift today." In his post, he also conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support his family has received throughout this difficult ordeal.

He stated that he plans to "address the public on all of this tomorrow," indicating his intention to provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding Emma's return and his emotional response to the situation. After the joy of finding her, he requested some time to gather his thoughts and reflect on the events that transpired. In expressing his relief, he emphasized that his "prayers" were indeed answered, underscoring the profound sense of gratitude and emotional weight that accompanies the reunion with his daughter. This moment of reflection marks an important step for Frank and his family as they begin to navigate the aftermath of this trying experience.

On December 9, Emma informed her stepmother that she needed to retrieve something from the family's truck, which was parked outside their home in Patchogue. Without dressing appropriately for the weather, she ventured out into the rainy night wearing only a T-shirt, and there are indications that she may not have been wearing a coat or even shoes. Shortly after she left, an unfamiliar car reportedly pulled up, and in an instant, she vanished, as a family friend had previously shared with Patch. This unsettling series of events raised significant concerns for her safety and prompted extensive search efforts by both the community and law enforcement.

In previous communications via text, Frank Gervasi informed Patch that his daughter had run away on prior occasions, indicating a history that added complexity to the current situation. Despite these past incidents, he expressed that there had been no communication from her during this particular disappearance, heightening the anxiety and concern for her well-being. This lack of contact only intensified the urgency of the search efforts and the worries of her family and friends, who were deeply invested in her safe return.

As the search progressed, Frank Gervasi communicated that all potential leads had been thoroughly explored, leaving him feeling increasingly despondent. With each passing day without any sign of Emma, he began to fear "the worst," grappling with the unsettling possibility that something had gone terribly wrong. This sense of dread weighed heavily on him and his family, as they faced the grim reality of the situation while hoping for a positive outcome. The emotional toll of the uncertainty and anxiety was palpable, underscoring the profound impact of Emma's disappearance on their lives.

"Yes, I have a bad feeling, but can't give up hope," he expressed, revealing the internal conflict he faced as a father. The weight of uncertainty hung heavily on him, especially since he noted, "This is the longest she has ever been gone, and usually, she calls a day or so later." His words reflected a mixture of apprehension and lingering hope, emphasizing the unusual nature of this particular situation.

"I can't imagine why she wouldn't reach out at all," he added, conveying his deep concern for Emma's well-being and the absence of any communication from her. This lack of contact was particularly troubling, amplifying his fears during this distressing time.

In response to her disappearance, the Suffolk police's 5th Squad of detectives in Patchogue took up the investigation, working diligently to uncover any leads that might shed light on her whereabouts. Additionally, an alert regarding her disappearance was posted on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's website, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and extending the search efforts beyond the local community.

During Emma's absence, her father took to social media to raise awareness about her disappearance, diligently updating followers on the progress of the search efforts. His heartfelt posts resonated with many, leading to an outpouring of support from the community. Hundreds rallied behind him and his family, demonstrating solidarity in their quest to find Emma. In recent days, they organized a search party in the Mastic-Shirley area, a location where Emma had been known to frequent, hoping that someone might have seen her.

To further incentivize the search, a $15,000 reward was offered for her safe return, emphasizing the community's commitment to bringing her home. As news of Emma being found spread, supporters took to social media platforms to share their joy and gratitude, celebrating the positive outcome of their collective efforts. One woman, in particular, shared a vibrant collage of photos adorned with animated balloons and confetti, capturing the overwhelming sense of relief and happiness that filled the hearts of those who had been anxiously waiting for Emma's return.

"So glad she’s been found," another supporter wrote, expressing immense relief at the news of Emma's return. In her message, she credited Frank Gervasi for his tireless efforts to bring his daughter home, acknowledging that he "did amazing for finding her." Her words resonated with many who had been closely following the situation, highlighting the dedication and perseverance exhibited by Frank throughout the ordeal.

"Now I’m hoping you can be at peace," she added, conveying a heartfelt wish for the Gervasi family to find solace after the tumultuous experience they had endured. This sentiment was echoed by others who had witnessed Frank's unwavering commitment to his family during such a distressing time.

Yet another woman expressed her admiration, writing, "When it comes to family and kids, Frank Gervasi never stopped for one minute! God is good. Family stops at nothing!" Her words reflected the strong sense of community and support that had emerged throughout the search, as people rallied around the Gervasi family with encouragement and solidarity.

As this story continues to develop, it is important to note that it remains a breaking news event, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.