Police identify body of missing Chinese student found in Amsterdam lake
Police said a dead body found in the water of the Nieuwe Meer in Amsterdam was identified as Shengmen Luo, a 23-year-old Chinese master’s student at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Luo had been missing for nearly a month before police recovered his body on March 21 during a targeted search operation in the recreation area in Amsterdam Nieuw-West.
The cause of death remains under investigation, police said on Friday. Specialist investigative teams discovered the body at the end of the morning near De Oeverlanden park. Investigators closed off the surrounding area to conduct forensic examinations and recover the remains. The police later confirmed that the body was Luo’s.
Luo, who was pursuing a master’s degree in logic at UvA’s Faculty of Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science, was last seen on February 23 at his student flat on Poeldijkstraat in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. His disappearance raised alarm among fellow students when he failed to attend classes, prompting them to check on his apartment. His laptop, passport, and phone were found inside, and his bank cards had not been used, leading to growing concerns.
After attempts to contact Luo proved unsuccessful, his housemates informed the university, which worked with student housing provider De Key to track his last recorded activity. His key tag had not been used since February 23, and he had not been to campus in days. When the university determined that he had not traveled to China, authorities were notified, and a formal missing persons case was launched on March 1.
The case was declared urgent by police a few days later, with officers citing “worrying signals.” Luo’s parents and uncle traveled from China to the Netherlands to assist with the search, while fellow students distributed flyers and posted online appeals for information. Surveillance screens at UvA’s Science Park displayed notices about his disappearance, and university officials offered mental health support to affected students and staff.
Authorities continue to seek information from the public regarding Luo’s disappearance and movements before his body was found. Anyone with relevant details should contact the authorities directly.
Victim support services were also offered to those affected through Slachtofferhulp Nederland. The organization provides free assistance by phone and online. Additionally, local community officers are available for further support.
