Letter to the Editor

I would like to thank everyone in Mono County for all their love, support, prayers and kind words as we have had to endure this horrible tragedy.

There are no words that can tell you all just how thankful I am, or my family. I would love to thank each one of you personally, but that is a little hard to do. If I leave anyone’s name out of this list, I apologize; I am doing my best to recall names.

For those who assisted in the search and recovery of our precious Jacob, along with his daddy and step brother-in-law, I would like to acknowledge the following agencies: Mono County Sheriff’s Office, Mono County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, San Bernardino County Sheriff Emergency Operations Dive Rescue (best in the state!), Lyon County Search and Rescue, June Lake Fire Department, Lee Vining Fire Department, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, Mono County Paramedics (thank you for helping our son Jon Langston and son-in-law Caleb Crouch), from Reno County Mary Cablk and her amazing dog, Inca, and U.S. Forest Service and Sierra Life Flight.

Thank you to the many businesses who helped all of us, as well as cared for us, as we arrived and stayed for three days: Boulder Lodge, June Lake Marina, Double Eagle Resort, Hideaway Condominiums, Fern Creek Lodge, Stellar Brew, Trout Town Joe’s, Looney Bean Coffee in Bishop, O’Hana’s 395, Big Rock Resort and June Lake Ski Area.

A huge thank you to our June Lake Angel Courtney Greytak who made sure there was food to feed the families, Lori (Rude) Gillem, a longtime friend from Tehachapi who lives in Bishop and made sure Lee and I had someone there for us as we got to the Bishop Mortuary, and our wonderful Tehachapi City Manager Greg Garrett who stayed with Lee and I at the Marina every day, from sunrise to sunset, as they searched for our baby… we cannot thank you enough for your companionship, love and support.

Also to Tim and Dawn Crouch, thank you for being with us every day and providing things needed for all of us. Thank you Mike and Marie Dillenbeck for being with us every day as well at the Marina until they were found. Thank you to the news teams for being patient and understanding, as well as covering details about fundraising efforts.

The communities of June Lake, all of Mono County, and Tehachapi truly wrapped their arms and hearts around our family as we searched for our son and returned home without him. So many people took care of us and offered all the help we could ever imagine during this horrible tragedy. Again, there are no words to say just how much we appreciate everything everyone has done. If I forgot to put you down, I am sorry, just know that I love you and am forever grateful.

Much thanks and love to all!

Hilary (forever Jacob’s mom) and Lee Romo, Ashley (Langston) Crouch, and Jonathan Langston, Tehachapi