Body found in the River Thames after search for ‘kind and joyful’ University of Oxford student

The police have sadly found a body after their month-long search for a missing University of Oxford student.

20-year-old Benedict, who was known as Ben, was last seen on Cripley Road in Oxford at around 12:50am on 26th January. It is believed he went missing walking home after a night out. Thames Valley Police found a body believed to be Ben in the River Thames near Iffley Lock on 23rd February. This area in the southern outskirts of Oxford, near where all the University of Oxford colleges have their boathouses.

Detective Inspector James Blackmore from Thames Valley Police said: “Extensive enquiries have been ongoing for Ben since he was reported missing, and very sadly, a body has been located this morning.

“Although formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe this to be Ben. His next-of-kin have been informed and officers are supporting them. Our thoughts are with them at this very distressing time.”

He added, “A file will be prepared for the coroner but there is nothing to indicate that this was anything other than a tragic accident.”

Iffley Lock in Oxford
(Credit: Motmit via Creative Commons)

People have been leaving tributes to Ben through an online book of condolences.

A friend from Oxford wrote: “I interacted with him regularly through the University’s birdwatching society. He was always a cheerful presence, and I have learned so much about birds from him. Thank you, Ben, for your smile, good humour, and impressive ability to spot Caspian gulls.”

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Leo Odgers, who was friends with Ben at primary school, remembered: “his kindness to other people, his liveliness and, above all, his compassion for animals and his love of the natural world for which he was well known”.

“He was a kind, joyful, and energetic soul who had a special way of brightening every room he entered,” wrote Neetha Lobo, a family friend .

There were several police cars at Mill Road near Iffley Lock on Sunday. Police closed off a section of the towpath and asked people to stay away from the area.

⚠️ INCIDENT ⚠️

We’re on scene at an incident just north of Iffley Lock, Oxford.

A section of towpath is currently closed and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

There is no danger to the local community, but please adhere to the closure until further notice. pic.twitter.com/GVFLX6iV0t

— TVP Oxfordshire (@TVP_Oxfordshire) February 23, 2025

After Ben went missing, Police conducted aerial searches of Oxford and scanned CCTV footage. But the police couldn’t search the River Thames in detail because the banks were flooded and the area was considered “very dangerous”. Last week, volunteers from Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire were able to search the river on boats.

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Featured image of Ben via the Thames Valley Police.