Body found at Christchurch property believed to be missing man Braydon Hepworth
Police in Christchurch have discovered a body believed to be 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth, who had been missing since early September. The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the cause.
Why it matters
The discovery brings a tragic conclusion to a high-profile missing person case that had mobilized significant police resources in New Zealand.
Police have found a body believed to be missing Christchurch man Braydon Hepworth.
Several search warrants were carried out in Christchurch on Thursday in relation to the disappearance of the 21-year-old. The last confirmed sighting of him was on September 3.
Police announced Thursday they had found the body of a person during a search of a Hereford St property.
"Formal identification procedures are underway, however, we believe this to be missing 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth," Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said.
The death is being treated as unexplained, and a post-mortem will be carried out on Friday.
"This is a devastating outcome for his family, and our hearts go out to them. We are providing them with support at this extremely difficult time."
Police searched properties in Linwood and Edgeware in relation to Hepworth's disappearance.
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