Man found dead in Lake Erie was missing student

CLEVELAND (WJW) — The body of a man pulled from Lake Erie on Monday, April 8, has been identified as a student from India, who was reported to be missing since March 5.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office on Wednesday confirmed to FOX 8 News that the body of 25-year-old Abdul Arfath Mohammed was retrieved from the waters of Lake Erie in the 1000 block of East 9th Street.

That’s near Voinovich Bicentennial Park on the East 9th Street pier and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Police officers responded to the area at about 2:30 p.m. on Monday, according to a news release.

The cause and manner of his death have not been released.

The local student was last seen on March 5, along East 13th Street, when he left his home in Reserve Square but never returned, according to Cleveland police.

Police first started circulating missing person flyers on March 14.

The Consulate General of India in New York acknowledged the man’s death in a Monday social media post:

Anguished to learn that Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio. Our deepest condolences to Mr Mohammed Arfath’s family.

@IndiainNewYork is in touch with local agencies to ensure thorough investigation into Mr Mohammed Abdul Arfath’s death. We are extending all possible assistance to the bereaved family to transport his mortal remains to India.

Statement on X from Consulate General of India in New York

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State also released the following statement:

We have seen reports of Mohammed Abdul Arfath’s death and express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We are strongly committed to the safety, welfare, and comfort of international students on U.S. campuses.  We are working with the Indian Government to ensure that the nearly 270,000 Indian students on our campuses are aware of and have full access to campus resources.

U.S. Department of State spokesperson

FOX 8 News has reached out to Cleveland police for more information.