Searchers Find Body Of Missing Stafford Man In Fredericksburg: Police

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A Stafford County man missing since Jan. 24 has been found dead in Fredericksburg, according to the Fredericksburg Police Department.

The body of Darius Appiah, 22, was found Saturday in Hazel Run, near the intersection of Blue and Grey Parkway and Lafayette Boulevard, police said. Appiah's car was found in Fredericksburg's Alum Spring Park shortly after he disappeared.

Appiah's body was taken to the medical examiner's office on Saturday for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The Fredericksburg Police Department said it is investigating the circumstances of Appiah’s death.

At about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Fredericksburg police received a report that a body was found in Hazel Run. Police officers, the Fredericksburg Fire Department, and the Rescue Squad responded to the area. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the area to assist, police said.

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At about 1:50 p.m., the body was recovered from the creek and was identified as Appiah, who was reported missing by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 25.

Appiah's next of kin was notified Saturday afternoon, police said.

“The Fredericksburg Police Department sends its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Appiah, who have remained dedicated to finding him since he went missing,” the police department said.

Soon after his disappearance, the Virginia State Police, working with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, identified Appiah as an "at-risk/missing person." The State Police issued a critically missing adult alert on Jan. 26.

Anyone with information about Appiah’s death or what happened leading up to his disappearance can contact the police at 540-373-3122. To make an anonymous tip, send a text to "847-411" and text "FPDtip" followed by the tip.