The Burlington Police Department announced Monday that the body of Shanti Namjou, 31, of Williston was found in Lake Champlain Sunday morning.
Police were called to the northern part of the Burlington waterfront, just north of the dog park on the bike path, at around 11:30 a.m. for a report of a body in the water. Police identified the body as Namjou after a recovery assisted by the Burlington Fire Department.
Deputy Police Chief Jon Murad said Monday that foul play was not suspected, and that the cause of his death is pending an autopsy.
Namjou was reported missing by family Feb. 28 after being last seen in downtown Burlington on Feb. 25 at around 11 a.m.
BPD Detective John Stoughton had been working to find Namjou, using social media and searches, including some using canines, around the city. The department also made contact with local acquaintances and caretakers and examined financial records, according to a statement.
The department asked for the public’s help in locating Namjou in a April 13 press release. Namjou had not made contact with family or friends since going missing, the department said at the time.
Murad extended condolences to Namjou’s family and friends following the discovery of his body.
“Mr. Namjou’s family and our detectives wanted very badly to find Mr. Namjou, but no one wanted to find him like this,” Murad said. “We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Namjou’s family and friends during their time of loss.”
