PITTSBURGH — The family of Dakota James, a North Side man whose body was found in the Ohio River after he disappeared in January, is creating a foundation to address issues in Pittsburgh.
James, 23, was reported missing after leaving a bar with friends Jan. 25. His body was found more than a month later in the Ohio River in Robinson Township. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death an accidental drowning, but James’ family disputed the finding.
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Wednesday would have been James' 24th birthday, and his family said they decided to do something positive by creating a foundation in his name.
The primary goal of the Dakota James Foundation is to improve surveillance systems in the city, especially on bridges that pedestrians travel every day.
Surveillance video from the T-Station shows the Duquense University graduate student, but it does not show which direction he went.
"Perhaps if there was a camera on the bridge, we would know whether he got on the bridge, whether he made it across the bridge," said Jeff James, Dakota James' father.
The foundation will also aim to improve response times and assist families of other missing persons.
PHOTOS: Dakota James’ family announces creation of foundation
"It is our goal to help the people of Pittsburgh and make sure no family has to go through the misfortune of sharing our experience, especially in a city that my son loved," Jeff James said.
Dakota James' mother, Pam James, said, "We can't go back from what already happened. All we can do is move forward and make it safer for someone else."
The foundation is only seven days old, but organizers have already raised $25,000, as of Wednesday, from people all over the country.
For more about the foundation, visit dakotajamesfoundation.com.
Cox Media Group
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