The Med Police has now been confirmed the body found in Epping Forest Leak is that of 19-year-old Richard Okogheye.
Richard went missing from his home in Ladbroke Grove on Monday the 22nd of March and was reported missing on Wednesday, 24 March.
Richard Okorogheye is a Nigerian student at Oxford Brookes University, who has sickle cell disease. He was last seen on CCTV in Loughton, Essex, in the early hours of Tuesday, March 23, walking towards Epping Forest.
His Mother, Evidence Joel who is an NHS nurse said her life is a ‘complete nightmare’ and that she feels ‘completely helpless’ following her son’s disappearance. She also said her Richard had spoken of ‘struggling to cope’ with university pressures and had been shielding during the Covid-19 lockdown.
While searching for him, She told Sky News of her son and said: “He’s my baby, He’s my treasure. He’s my oxygen, he’s my crown. He’s everything to me, he’s the reason why I live, the reason I exist.
Richard’s death is being treated as unexplained and police do not believe, at this stage, that there was any third-party involvement.
A post-mortem examination took place on Wednesday and found no evidence of physical trauma or assault. The Met said the cause of death is pending while further investigations are carried out.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said her “thoughts and prayers” were with Mr Okorogheye’s family and that she was in contact with Scotland Yard as inquiries continue.
She wrote on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Richard Okorogheye.
“My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Detective superintendent Danny Gosling, head of the Met’s central west public protection unit, said: “My deepest sympathies go out to Richard’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“This was not the outcome that any of us had hoped for and we will ensure that his grieving family are well-supported by specially trained officers.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the many officers, staff, and members of the public who have each played a part in the extensive effort to locate Richard.”
We pray his family find peace and answers.
RIP Richard Okorogheye ❤️🕊🙏🏾
