Missing Langley man Irshaad Ikbal’s remains found in Vancouver: police
Posted May 19, 2023 11:13 am.
Last Updated May 19, 2023 2:10 pm.
The search for a Langley man in the Vancouver area has come to a tragic end.
Vancouver police say Irshaad Ikbal’s body was found in False Creek Thursday evening. The 36-year-old man had been missing since late April.
According to the VPD, a “passerby” phoned the emergency line, after which officers brought Ikbal to shore.
The family of Langley man Irshaad Ikbal put out an anguished appeal for help, nearly three weeks after he vanished from downtown Vancouver. The 36-year-old was reported missing in late April. (Courtesy @FindIrshaadIkbal/Instagram)
The cause of the man’s death has not yet been determined, with the VPD saying the coroner is looking into the matter.
The VPD adds its “investigation into Irshaad’s disappearance remains open.”
“We are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Irshaad Ikbal. He was so loved by all around him and it is clear that he lived his life full of love and compassion,” a statement from Ikbal’s family Friday reads in part.
“We want to thank everyone for their continuous love and support. Especially to those who contributed to searching for Irsh until he was found. Growing up, Irshaad, nicknamed ‘Irsh’, was involved in soccer through various B.C. soccer leagues including the VMSL (Vancouver Metro SoccerLeague), BCMA (BC Muslim Association) soccer league and the Fijian Soccer League. He was known to give back to the community whenever he can.
“Irshaad has been and always will be a key cornerstone in our family for the longest time. He’s always been there as the centrepiece, helping everyone in any way he can. He was the kindest person and our family feels so incomplete without Irshaad’s caring nature and heart of gold,” the statement continued.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help “honour the amazing and giving life Irshaad lived.”
Ikbal’s loved ones had been frantically searching for him since he was last seen around 2 a.m. on April 29 near the Parq Casino on Pacific Boulevard. Vancouver police say he was separated from his friends.
Earlier this week, Fouziah Khairati described through tears her cousin as an older brother — the one who always made others laugh.
“We’re a bit in disbelief that it’s been three weeks without Irshaad bhaiya,” Khairati told CityNews, prior to learning about his death. “It’s almost surreal. It’s sickening. We’re so stressed. We’re so worried almost every second of every day. We’re so, so concerned because we don’t know where Irshaad bhaiya is. We don’t know in what way he is or what state.”
Bhaiya is a term of endearment and respect given to older family members.
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In addition to putting up posters around Vancouver, Ikbal’s family had posted a $20,000 reward for information to find him.
Police previously said they had checked his social media accounts, phone, and bank records, with no activity reported. They also searched hospitals, shelters, jails, and morgues, and used their drone to scan from above and check waterways around Vancouver.
Ikbal’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to help honour him.
-With files from Sonia Aslam and Martin MacMahon
