Funeral set for brothers who drowned in canal

Pastor Ike Harris of Church for the Nations Maricopa released a statement Tuesday on behalf of the family who lost two sons on New Year’s Day when they drowned in an irrigation canal near Hidden Valley.

“On New Year’s Day our family lost two precious gifts, Anthony and Calib Love,” Harris said.

On Sunday, the two, along with their 10-year-old brother Emmanuel Stower, were out walking when Calib, 6, slipped into a canal. Anthony and Emmanuel jumped in to save him, but only Emmanuel was able to crawl out to safety.

None of the boys knew how to swim. Calib and Anthony would have turned 7 and 11, respectfully, this month.

Desiree Truett, owner and program coordinator for Rise & Shine Exceptional Services shared on the InMaricopa.com Facebook page Monday that “Anthony Love was my student and Emmanuel was suppose to start tomorrow, but will be taking some time off.”

Anthony previously attended Butterfield Elementary School and Emmanuel went to Santa Cruz Elementary School, according to the Maricopa Unified School District. The district was providing students with counselors.

Calib attended Sequoia Pathway Academy. School parents received a letter Tuesday from Principal Rachael S. Lay informing them that Calib was in first grade at the school and that school personnel would be available for students and parents to talk to.

Harris called the Love family faithful members of the congregation.

“We, as a church, are continuing to help the family to see that every need is met in this season of heartache,” he said.