Regina Police Service have confirmed that the deceased man, whose body was found on Dec. 21 is 19-year-old Promise (Max) Chukwudum.
Police were called to the 5000 block of Sherwood Drive at around 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 21 for the report of a man who appeared deceased. Officers secured the immediate area and requested the help of Major Crimes and the Forensic Identification Unit, as well as the Coroner.
“This wasn’t what we’d hoped for, but it’s also not the nightmare scenario that we were all worried of never finding out what had happened to our friend,” said Nathan Sgrazzutti, who played rugby with Promise at the University of Regina.
The University of Regina international student and rugby player was the subject of a missing person’s report, but it wasn’t possible until Thursday, Dec 27 to make public confirmation of his identity because police had to notify his immediate family.
The 19-year-old went missing on Nov 17 and since then police, family and volunteers have searched parts of the city both by air and foot.
His last known whereabouts was in the Marshall Crescent area, about an 11 minute walk from where his body was found.
On that night some of his teammates say he posted pictures to Snapchat with people they didn’t recognize, but at this point police don’t suspect foul play.
Some community members reported personally searching the area where Promise was found, but saw no trace of him.
Police say it’s possible he was seeking shelter with temperatures dipping below minus 20 that night.
“It’s very strange how he just turned up nearly a month later with nothing suspicious having happened its not like Max to wonder out in the cold even if he’s supposed to for a practice,” Sgrazzutti said.
Global News reached out to police Friday, but they say it’s too early to comment as the investigation continues.
There’s no word on whether the aerial search covered the area where Promise was found or why it took so long to find his body.
In a statement the family has asked for privacy at this time.
If anyone has any information that may help police they are asked to call 306-777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.