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Family still searching for closure 5 years after Gloucester toddler disappears

ROCKPORT, Mass. — It's been five years since a Gloucester toddler vanished from a beach in Rockport.

Caleigh Harrison was with her mother and her sister at the beach. Her mother told police she walked away to grab a ball they had been playing with; in that short time, Caleigh disappeared. It’s presumed she swept away by the sea.

On Wednesday, Dave Harrison, Caleigh’s uncle, returned to the spot she was last seen, with his sweet niece on his mind.

>>MORE: State Police say re-enactment re-affirms their Caleigh Harrison theory

“It's very emotional. I just look out here and you know - I see her,” said Dave.

Caleigh's family has never found closure. There was no evidence found and her body was never recovered.

“Time doesn't really heal; time doesn't make things better. It gives us more time to remember her,” he said.

Caleigh's mother, Allison Hammond, was under public scrutiny but no one has been charged. David has had minimal contact with her and says the whole things seems to have been a mistake but a preventable one.

“I wasn't there, but it just shows that you cannot even for a minute walk away from your children when you're at the beach,” he said.

>>MORE: Caleigh Harrison's father no longer believes she was abducted

State police told Boston 25 News the current was extremely strong the day Caleigh disappeared.
That's why the Harrisons - working with State Senator Bruce Tarr -- helped to get legislation passed this winter, recommending all beaches in the state use a uniform flag warning system when there are dangerous beach conditions.

The state is still working out the implementation.

“It will plant the thought in their mind that they just have to be aware of their surroundings,” said Tarr.

Caleigh would have turned 8 last month.

Wednesday, as her uncle watched other children playing on the beach, he said he hopes other parents who hear Caleigh’s story are just a little more vigilant.

“We lost her five years ago but look what we've done in that five years for her in her name so that she has a little bit of a legacy,” said Dave.

Call the Rockport Police Department, 168 Main Street, Rockport 978-546-1212

The Harrisons have set up a scholarship fund in Caleigh's name and in five years have already awarded 10 scholarships.

They raise 100 percent of the money through a golf tournament happening at the end of the month.

You can email David here for information about how to help.