An intensive three-day search for missing Bradford teen Siem Zerezghi has ended in tragedy after police confirmed Friday night they discovered a body in a pond off the 8th Line.
Acting Deputy Chief John Van Dyke of South Simcoe Police read a prepared statement to the media Friday evening at the command post set up at Bradford District High School.
This afternoon at around 3 p.m., searchers in the area of Professor Day Drive and the 8th Line in Bradford found items believed to belong to 15-year-old Zerezghi.
The OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit was called to a nearby pond where a body was recovered. Police say the body will be taken to Toronto for a post-mortem exam.
Police thanked the community for their support of the family and searchers throughout the ordeal.
The investigation has determined that Siem left his home at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 24, and the last known sightings of him were obtained from security camera footage from the neighbourhood.
The investigation is ongoing as to why Siem left his home. Police say they will be providing an update on Monday.
Anyone with further information that can help with the investigation is asked to contact the police.
The family is asking for privacy during this difficult time.
UPDATE - MISSING YOUTH: Acting Deputy Chief John Van Dyke provides an update to the search for missing #Bradford teen Siem Zerezghi. #FindSiem pic.twitter.com/ZR9kg07YiE
— South Simcoe Police (@SouthSimcoePS) October 31, 2020