Community Offers Support in Wake of Lock Haven Youth’s Death

LOCK HAVEN, PA – There has been a surge of community support following the tragic death of a Lock Haven youth earlier this week. 9-year-old Anson Stover was found dead in his family residence on Monday of this week, his aunt later charged with homicide in the case.

In the meantime community members have stepped up to assist the youth’s five sisters and also to fund the cost of the victim’s burial.

Hanna Stover, owner of Momoyo Otsu in Lock Haven, is heading the effort to lend assistance to the Stover siblings, girls ages 5, 6, 10, 11, and 12. She on Thursday posted on facebook that the girls are currently living with their grandmother and the family is in need of items such as gift cards to WalMart or Weis Market for groceries and essentials; gas gift cards for the grandmother to take them to needed appointments; and towels and wash cloths.

Those items may be left at the Momoyo Otsu store at 147 E. Main Street and will be provided to the family. By Friday night community members had responded with an outpouring of items.

Hanna Stover, who is not related to the family, thanked contributors for their assistance and said, “This is a time where we as a community should come together in a heartbreaking situation.”She said there are plans for a Christmas wish-list. She described the siblings as “your typical girls and love makeup and all that fun stuff.” She said the family is greatly appreciative of any and all donations.

Stover also reported that plans are being made for a candlelight vigil for Anson Stover Friday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at Riverview Park in Woodward Township. There will be a bin for donations for Christmas gifts and gift cards at the vigil.

Meanwhile, a cousin of Anson Stover, Neil Young of Jersey Shore, has established a Go Fund Me online site for a planned family memorial service.