Editor’s note: This article discusses possible suicide.
A Metro Vancouver family is grieving the loss of their eldest son, who’s been the subject of numerous missing person searches over the last six weeks.
Brenda Maku shared an update that her family was told her 18-year-old brother Joseph Maku was found dead in Delta Friday. Joseph was reported missing on October 23 after he didn’t return to his family’s place in Surrey.
Surrey Police Service confirmed a body was found but said it’s awaiting forensic results to determine with absolute certainty the deceased was Joseph before officially closing the missing person case. The death was not suspicious and foul play is not suspected.
Joseph’s family organized weeks of searches and put up posters with his picture all around Metro Vancouver.
“Heaven got to celebrate the arrival of an angel,” Brenda posted on Facebook. “In such a short amount of time, he has blessed so many people, and I will forever and always be in awe of my ‘big’ little brother.”
She added the BC Coroner’s Service is investigating his death, saying it’s believed Joseph died the day he didn’t come home. Daily Hive has reached out to the service for comment but has not yet heard back.
“I can’t believe heaven gets to see his big, sparkly, innocent brown eyes everyday now, while we mourn never being able to see them again on earth,” Brenda said.
She thanked those who helped search for her brother on a Facebook page dedicated to finding him.
“Countless days and nights were spent in the cold, in the rain, in different cities and parks trying to find him, and so many people have continued to let me know how loved and cared for Joseph was,” she said.
Brenda closed her post by asking for privacy as her family grieves her brother’s death.
A GoFundMe that initially sought donations to help with the search has been updated to accept funds for the family’s expenses, including counselling, after the kinesiology student’s death.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts, please use the following resources: