Cause of death confirmed for missing South Huron youth

Constable Joanna Van Mierlo of the Huron OPP says the results of a post mortem completed on Ryan Vanvalkengoed of South Huron confirm that the 17-year-old died as a result of drowning.

“Huron OPP confirms that no foul play is suspected in his death.”

Vanvalkengoed went missing on Friday, January 11, 2008 while walking home from a friends' residence.

Tragically, the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit removed his body from the Ausable River near Crediton on Monday, January 14, 2008.

Search for missing teen ends sadly (Jan 14, 2008)

Constable Joanna Van Mierlo of the Huron OPP says that the search for missing 17-year-old, Ryan Vanvalkengoed of South Huron has ended tragically.

Van Mierlo says that at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2008 the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit located a male in the Ausable River near Crediton.

Members of the OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Canine units, OPP Underwater Search and Rescue and members of the Huron OPP participated in the search.

The Huron OPP confirms that it is the body of missing youth, Ryan Vanvalkengoed, of South Huron.

The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Van Mierlo says police wish to remind the public of the dangers of rivers at this time of year and the need to steer clear from both riverbanks and running water.

Huron OPP search for missing youth (Jan 12, 2008)

Constable Joanna Van Mierlo of the Huron OPP says a 17-year-old male is missing from the Crediton area in South Huron.

“Although foul play is not suspected, Huron OPP officers are concerned for the well-being of Ryan Vanvalkengoed of South Huron”, she says.

The OPP Emergency Response Team along with the Canine unit has been called to the area to assist with the search.

Ryan Vanvalkengoed is described as approximately 5'10" with a slim build. He has short blond hair and was last seen wearing baggy "skateboarder" type pants and a light grey jacket.

“He left a residence in Crediton on Friday, January 11 at approximately 11:30 p.m. to walk home to his residence but he did not arrive home.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-T.I.P.S. (8477) or the Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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