Body Identified As Missing Teen Avonte Oquendo

Cause of death still under investigation

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A body washed up on the shores of New York City’s East River has been confirmed as that of missing teenager Avonte Oquendo, according to the New York City medical examiner’s office.

DNA test results released on Tuesday confirm that the human remains discovered last week were identified as the 14-year-old. However, further details regarding the cause of death are still under investigation.

Oquendo, who suffered from a severe form of autism, was last seen in October when he walked out of his school. His disappearance launched a city-wide investigation, while community groups raised almost $90,000 as a reward for information leading to his whereabouts. The body was found by a student taking pictures on the beach, and was wearing the same clothes and Nike Air Jordans as Oquendo when he went missing.

[AP]