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The English Police on Wednesday confirmed the body of a man found in a lake in Epping Forest, Essex, is that of missing 19-year-old Richard Okorogheye.
Okorogheye is of Nigerian descent, and had been declared missing for roughly two weeks.
Many social media users had called on security operatives in Britain to try hard and find him, following his mother's insinuation of the police being nonchalant.
"All he said to me was 'mummy, I'm going to see my friend'. I trusted him, I had no doubt or no reason to ask him further questions," Evidence Joel, the mother of the now-late teenager had said according to Sky News.
CCTV footage of Okorogheye's last sighted movement
Richard's disappearance since the early hours of March 23, had gripped the local community as he has rarely left the house recently other than to go to hospital for regular blood transfusions for his condition, sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease - in which red blood cells are not shaped as they should be - is a serious and lifelong health condition.
Joel described her son as "her everything" and claims he was "struggling to cope" with shielding due to the lockdown occassioned by the Coronavirus pandemic.
He had seemingly not taken his daily medication with him when he left.
Late Okorogheye was studying IT at Oxford Brookes University. He was just starting - a year one student.
A heartbroken Joel told Sky News her heart "feels as if it has been ripped apart".
The community nurse, 39, said on Thursday that she feels "completely hollow and devastated and empty".
"At this moment of time I just want answers as how my son lost his life. I want answers. I desperately need closure," she added.
Police searching for Richard Okorogheye at the Epping Forest lake where his body was eventually discovered
Richard‘s death is being treated as “unexplained”, the Metropolitan Police said, and officers do not believe, at this stage, there was any third-party involvement.
A post-mortem examination took place on Wednesday and found no evidence of physical trauma or assault.
The deceased was seen boarding a No 23 bus headed southbound in Ladbroke Grove at 8.44pm on 22 March, with CCTV footage showing him dressed all in black and carrying a black satchel with a white Adidas logo, worn across his lower back.
He then took a taxi from west London to a residential street in Loughton, and was captured on CCTV walking towards Epping Forest at 12.39am on 23 March.
Essex Police on Monday April 5 confirmed that the body of a man had been found in a pond in Epping Forest and Richard's mum had told MyLondon that the description of the body" matches" her son.
It was eventually established two days later to be his son's.
Compassionate Brits have sent their love and prayers to Richard Okorogheye's grieving family and friends.
One said: "Very very sad, a young man with a whole life ahead of him, really hoped he was found safe and well, plz [please] pray for his mum, his family and his friends, may they find the strength at this sad time."
Another tweeted: "Such awful news. Deep heartfelt condolences to his family."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan joined others offering their comfort to the family of Richard Okorogheye.
He tweeted on Wednesday: "Londoners across our city will be holding the family and friends of Richard Okorogheye in our hearts.
"My deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones at this truly tragic time."
Londoners across our city will be holding the family and friends of Richard Okorogheye in our hearts tonight. My deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones at this truly tragic time. https://t.co/WONq2QRewy
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) April 7, 2021
Home Secretary Priti Patel said her "thoughts and prayers" were with the family of Richard and that she was in contact with Scotland Yard as inquiries into the 19-year-old's death 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.
"I am in contact with the Metropolitan Police who continue their inquiries into his tragic death."
Richard Okorogheye's death in Epping Forest is "devastating news for the Oxford Brookes community", says the university.
A statement from Vice-Chancellor Prof Alistair Fitt said: “We have received confirmation of the tragic news that Richard Okorogheye, a student at Oxford Brookes University, has died.
"Richard was a first year student on the Computer Science for Cyber Security programme.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Richard’s family and friends.
“This is devastating news for the Oxford Brookes community and we will be reaching out to students and staff to offer them support."
Oxford Brookes University will organise a special tribute for Richard, says its boss.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alistair Fitt said: “When appropriate, and in line with any wishes expressed by Richard’s family, we will arrange a suitable commemoration for Richard."
Labour MP Zarah Sultana wrote: “Police have confirmed that the body found in Epping Forest on Monday has been formally identified as missing 19-year-old student Richard Okorogheye. Utterly heartbreaking news. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & everyone who knew & loved him. Rest in peace, Richard.”
Rapper Guvna B also sent his condolences: “Rest in peace Richard Okorogheye. God bless your soul and give strength to all who love you.”
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