Manolo Rabanales, Journalist
December 5, 2023
On November 23rd, 22 year old Jan Carlos Yepes-Perafan entered McShane’s Bar, on North Main Street in Port Chester, New York. He then left at approximately 3:45 am, this is tragically the last time Mr. Yepes-Perafan was seen alive. Following a lack of communication from Yepes-Perafan, his family contacted the Port Chester Police Department and a search began. Friends and family soon began to help search for Jan, putting up missing posters and working with the local authorities. He was officially declared missing on the 25th. That same day, his cellphone would be found in the Byram river, and the following day, with aid from the New Rochelle and Rye Police department, his body was recovered from that same river. While there were no signs of foul play, the investigation is still ongoing and a medical examiner will determine his official cause of death.
Following this grim discovery, a GoFundMe was put up to help pay for funeral expenses, with a goal of $15,000. In less than a week, they have received over $20,000. Jan’s death has impacted many. His brother described him as “an outgoing guy, he loved to smile.” Approximately 100 people attended his vigil, which was held on Monday in the Port Chester Marina. Port Chester Police stated in a social media post that they’re working tirelessly to help bring closer to his family. The mayor of Harrison, Richard Dioniso, stated “Jan Carlo Yepes was a young man who will be missed by many…We can all feel the tragedy of his loss, and the joy of his life will not be forgotten.” He also reached out to Yep’s parents, telling them “Your community stands with you in solidarity and the Town is prepared to provide support in whatever you may need.”