Manassas Muslim Leader Found Dead in Occoquan River

The body of a missing Manassas man was found early Friday morning in the Occoquan River, officials said Friday.

Mohammad Mehboob,58, of 6954 Jeremiah Ct. was reported missing to Prince William County police on Thursday.

His body was found shortly after 12:30 a.m. Friday. near the Route 123 bridge overpass.

Prince William County Police requested assistance Thursday afternoon after Mehboob’s vehicle was located near the Route 123 bridge that crosses over the Occoquan River. Multiple resources were sent to the area to search the shoreline and water.

The Fairfax County Police Marine Patrol Unit utilized its side scan sonar and located the body, which was then recovered by the dive team, assisted by Prince William County Police. The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death, authorities said.

Before Mehboob's body was recovered, police believed he was suicidal, but his family refutted the claim in a comment left on the Lake Ridge-Occoquan Patch news site.

 The Mehboob family reached out to Patch this Thursday evening to comment on Mohammad Mehboob's disappearance.

"Our father, Mohammad Mehboob, is an extremely strong, courageous, and responsible person who is a role model for the community.

His disappearance and the circumstances surrounding this event have been a shock to us and show no evidence of depression or suicidal behavior. We are saddened to find that his mindset has been reported differently.

He is very much committed to his family and his community. We are anxiously awaiting his safe return and ask for everyone's prayers at this time."

Mehboob was president of the Muslim Association of Virginia. Mehboob also  for  

If you knew Mohammad Mehboob, consider leaving a message of remembrance for the family.