Police: No signs of violent crime in death of 16-year-old Ukrainian boy found in water
Dutch police say they do not believe 16-year-old Milan, a Ukrainian boy who was found dead in the water in Beverwijk, was the victim of a violent crime.
A police spokesperson told NU.nl on Tuesday that there are currently no indications of a criminal offense. The exact circumstances of Milan’s death have not yet been determined, and the investigation is ongoing.
Milan went missing on Christmas Day after leaving his home in Heemskerk for a walk. He was last seen on Debora Bakelaan, near his residence. After days of intensive searching, his body was found Monday in the water near Handelskade in Beverwijk, in the Noord-Holland region.
“It is sad to have to report that the search for Milan has ended tragically,” police said after the discovery. “Milan has unfortunately died. We wish his family and loved ones much strength in processing this great loss.”
Authorities said Milan had an intellectual disability and difficulty speaking.
Investigators believe he may have been walking from Heemskerk toward Wijkerstraatweg in Velsen-Noord, a route that would have taken him past the park where he was found.
The search effort involved nearly 700 volunteers who helped comb dozens of locations across the region over the weekend. Police received multiple tips and issued public appeals for information in both Dutch and Ukrainian. A National Police unit deployed a boat equipped with sonar to assist with underwater searches.
