South Simcoe police said they discovered Siem Zerezghi’s body Friday evening in a pond near 8th Line and Professor Day Drive in Bradford.
“As a result, the Ontario Provincial Police Underwater Search and Recovery Unit was called to a nearby pond where a body was recovered this evening,” said acting deputy Chief Sgt. John Van Dyke in a media conference Friday night in Bradford.
According to the police, the teen’s body will be taken to the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto, where a post-mortem will be conducted.
Police were able to obtain the last two sightings of Siem, 15, through two separate surveillance cameras in the teen’s neighborhood.
“The investigation has determined that Siem left his home near Professor Day Drive and Northgate Drive around 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, October 24,” Van Dyke said.
An extensive search was conducted in the town during the past week.
Police described the area where Siem was found as an open water area drainage feature, with fields, located adjacent to a subdivision.
Siem’s belongings were located around the pond. Investigators haven’t disclosed information on the items retrieved by the police.
“This stuff is still under investigation. We have to continue with the investigation,” Sgt. Dave Phillips told reporters.
According to officials, Siem’s family is devastated and is requesting privacy. However, police say the family is overwhelmed by and appreciate all the support from the residents and the Town of Bradford.
A further media conference will be held on Monday with any new updates regarding Siem’s death.
Police are still asking anyone with information to contact South Simcoe Police Service at 905-775-3311, 705-436-2141 ext. 1035 or Crime Stoppers at 1- 800-222-8477.
The force has opened an online portal where anonymous leads and video camera surveillance footage can be uploaded.
“Unfortunately, this is not the outcome anyone was hoping for, it’s traumatic,” Phillips said.