Man’s Body Found In NYC’s East River Near YouTuber Etika’s Belongings
Jun. 25 2019, Updated 4:50 p.m. ET
Days after YouTube star Etika was reported missing, police found the body of a man floating in New York’s East River.
At 6:18 p.m. this Monday, June 24, officers responded to a 911 call for a person floating in the water near the South Street Seaport. Police recovered him and took him to Pier 16 near the Brooklyn Bridge, where he was pronounced dead.
The man’s body was found about half a mile from the Manhattan Bridge, where Etika’s personal belongings were discovered. These included his backpack, cell phone, a Nintendo Switch, a change of clothes, and other items, RadarOnline.com has learned. The Internet star was known for his Nintendo content, but recently began turning controversial by posting videos of him chanting homophobic and anti-Semitic slurs and getting arrested.
Police have declined to say if the discovery of the body is related to 29-year-old Etika’s disappearance.
“Identification of the deceased is pending proper family notification,” an NYPD spokesperson told BNO News. “The medical examiner will determine the cause of death and the investigation is ongoing.”
Etika — whose real name is Daniel Desmond Amofah — disappeared on June 19 after posting a YouTube video on his channel saying he wanted to commit suicide. He had a history of mental health issues.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the U.S. Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.