Oxford community expresses sadness after body found in water

Thames Valley Police recovered the body from the River Cherwell in Oxford on Sunday, believing it to be that of 67-year-old missing woman Zhihui.

It is the latest in a series of river tragedies which have rocked the county in recent months.

READ MORE: Dead body found in Oxford river by Thames Valley Police

City and county councillor Susanna Pressel said: "There seem to have been a lot of deaths by drowning recently, which is so sad.

"I’m sure some of the deaths could have been prevented, if people could have received help before things got too bad.

"We’ll have to hope that the new government can somehow cut the wating lists fast."

Following this weekend's tragedy, police published a number of public appeals over the last few weeks to find the missing woman.

A spokesperson from Thames Valley Police said: “We can provide an update in connection with a missing person investigation in Oxford.

The body was recovered from the River Cherwell. (Image: Get Your Guide)

“This month we have published several public appeals to find the missing woman, Zhihui, aged 67.

“Sadly, a body was recovered from the River Cherwell today.

Zhihui who is believed to be missing (Image: TVP) “The body is believed to be that of Zhihui. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

“Out of respect to Zhihui’s family, we would ask both the public and media to delete any of our previous public appeals to find Zhihui.”

READ MORE: Book of condolence after police find body in River Cherwell

Police search the River Windrush in February. (Image: Sarah Dalton)

Tributes have come in throughout Sunday and Monday as the community was left rocked by the tragic news.

“So sorry to hear this sad news, condolences to her friends and family,” said one anonymous local. 

Another living in the Oxford area added: “Sending love to those left behind.”

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The major search of the River Thames in Oxford in April. (Image: Ed Nix)

It comes after emergency services were called out to other river tragedies in the county in recent months. 

Martin Shepherd, of Deanfield Road in Oxford, was found dead in the River Thames on April 24 at Longbridges Nature Park following a two-week search.

The 77-year-old had entered the water at East Street near Osney Mead on April 9.

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Police by the River Thames in Oxford during a search earlier this year. (Image: Newsquest) Iona, whose surname was not provided by Thames Valley Police, had disappeared 11 weeks prior in the River Windrush in Witney and a large search of the river located the 76-year-old’s body.

Oxford University student Wesley Agbor-Ashu Akum-Ojong also died on June 21 after celebrating the end of his exams with friends and jumping into the river near Port Meadow, Oxford.

The 19-year-old went missing at first but was later pulled from the water and rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital before being pronounced dead later that evening.

And Rafal Wozniak was found in the River Thames at Lower Wharf in Wallingford on August 24.

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Lower Thames, Wallingford the day after a dead body was found in the water. (Image: Newsquest)

Police officers confirmed the 44-year-old dead at the scene which was also attended by South Central Ambulance Service and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

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