Body of missing Turkish academic found in London’s Regent’s Canal
Turkish academic Prof. Dr. Orhan Ekren. (Photo via BBC)
The body of missing Turkish academic Prof. Dr. Orhan Ekren, who disappeared in late November, was discovered in London’s Regent’s Canal, his wife Banu Ekren confirmed.
Speaking to the Anadolu Agency (AA), Banu Ekren stated that her husband’s body was found near the last known location indicated by a family tracking application on his phone. A municipal worker alerted authorities on December 15 after spotting a body in the canal near Camden at approximately 10 a.m. local time.
Police shared photographs with the family to assist with identification, which was completed on December 17, according to Banu Ekren. She added that autopsy investigations are ongoing in the United Kingdom and that a funeral will be held in Torbali, a district in the western Turkish province of Izmir, once the body is repatriated.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Regent’s Canal had been searched twice during the investigation after Ekren’s phone last emitted a signal near the waterway. His belongings, including a backpack and wet clothing, were previously found along the canal’s bank, with no indications of theft, as personal items were still intact.
