The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) has identified the body of a man that was found in the St. Lawrence River on July 3 in the vicinity of Ross Island, Akwesasne.
According to a media release issued by the police service, the coroner’s office has confirmed the individual recovered from the river is Casey Oakes of Akwesasne. The 30-year-old went missing on March 30 after he was last seen boarding a boat the night before.
During initial search efforts for Oakes, the bodies of eight foreign nationals believed to have been crossing the river by boat were discovered. The police service later confirmed investigators believed that Oakes, whose overturned boat was discovered near the victims in a marsh area, was connected to the deceased individuals.
The AMPS confirms that the investigations into Oakes’ death and the deaths of the eight victims believed to have been attempting to enter the United States from Canada are ongoing.
The AMPS has extended its condolences to Oakes’ family and has thanked them for their patience during this difficult time.
The AMPS is strongly urging anyone with information regarding these deaths to contact the Akwesasne Mohawk Police by calling 613-575-2340 or by submitting a secure tip by email at tips@akwesasne.ca. (SR)