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Tributes paid following discovery of body in search for Olisa Odukwe

Members of the public have been urged to respect the privacy of the student's friends and family while the University has encouraged students to make use of support services, friends and family.

Members of the public have been urged to respect the privacy of the student's friends and family while the University has encouraged students to make use of support services, friends and family.

Tributes are being paid to missing student Olisa Odukwe, following the news that a body has been found as part of the search. Whilst formal identification is yet to be carried out, Olisa's next of kin have been informed.

The University of Bristol Football Club, of which Olisa was a member, said that 'Olisa was universally loved; a kind, gentle and funny character who brought a smile to the face of whoever he was with.'

The University has urged all students and staff affected by the news to reach out for support, saying, 'Our thoughts are with his friends and family who we are supporting at this incredibly difficult time.

'We know this news will be upsetting for many students. Support is available to all students and staff affected by this news and we would encourage them to contact University wellbeing services for help, as well as seeking support directly from friends or family.'

The full list of Bristol's support services are available here.

In a statement earlier this morning, Avon & Somerset Police confirmed that divers had found a body during their search, saying, 'Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 4 May), police divers located and recovered the body of a man in Bristol Harbour, near Narrow Quay.

'While formal identification has not yet been carried out, we have updated the family of missing 20-year-old Bristol student Olisa Odukwe. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.'


Most people who are thinking of taking their own life have shown warning signs beforehand.

These can include becoming depressed, showing sudden changes in behaviour, talking about wanting to die and feelings of hopelessness.

These feelings do improve and can be treated.

If you are concerned about someone, or need help yourself, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

Other student support services include:
Young Minds https://youngminds.org.uk/  0808 802 5544
Nightline https://www.nightline.ac.uk/want-to-talk/
Papyrus https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ 0800 068 41 41
Student Minds http://www.studentminds.org.uk/findsupport.html

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