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( 03-01-2002 ) - Brenda and Damon van Dam released an official statement Thursday night:
"With today's confirmation that our beloved Danielle will never again be physically present in our lives, we are experiencing the depths of sadness, loss and grief which only parents who have lost children under similar circumstances can fully comprehend."
The family also says: "Love has conquered evil, in our community. This is Danielle's legacy and we couldn't be more proud. As we were praying, this morning, with the incredible volunteer searchers who actually found our daughter, our personal prayer was that god would share our little angel with everyone who helped to find her."
The statement ends with: "Danielle was a very special, beautiful, loving little girl. We miss her desperately but find comfort in knowing that she is now safe again and at peace. For Danielle, our family, friends and neighbors, we thank you for unifying us into such a giving community. We will be forever grateful to all of you."
Earlier Thursday, Danielle's parents were at the search center in Poway to thank the volunteers who worked so to find their daughter. It was their first public appearance since receiving word about the discovery in Dehesa Wednesday afternoon.
"It was hope for the best and expect the worst," said volunteer Jill Ward. "I'm kind of not surprised. After three weeks of searching for her and finding blood on Westerfields sweater and in his vehicle, it didnt surprise me. But I still had hope."
The web site set up to help in the search for Danielle has been changed into a memorial page for the Sabre Springs girl, who was kidnapped from her home 27 days ago.
*The video accompanying this story, edited by Danielles aunt, is a photo essay of the 7-year-olds life, set to the song, Angel, by Sarah McLaughlin.
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There was another child here in San Diego, missing since Wednesday, recovered today alive. I hadn't heard a THING about it before this afternoon. Go figure.