Missing YouTube star Etika found dead after posting alarming video
A YouTube gaming star has been found dead, police have confirmed.
A body found in New York City's East River on Monday has been identified as that of Desmond Amofah, a 29-year-old YouTube game reviewer and Twitch streamer from Brooklyn.
Amofah, who goes by the name of "Etika" online, was reported missing the evening of June 19, shortly after posting an alarming video on YouTube in which he apologised to multiple people he said he let down and discussed suicidal thoughts and mental health.
The eight-minute clip sparked concern among his loved ones and fans and prompted an NYPD investigation into his disappearance, which, in turn, led authorities to find a few of his personal items, including his mobile phone and New York State ID card, last week, WNBC reports.
A body found in the waters near Pier 16 at South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan around 6.30pm on Monday was confirmed as Amofah's on Tuesday.
We regret to inform that Desmond Amofah aka Etika has been found deceased. https://t.co/sedwZZxglw
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 25, 2019
Police sources told WNBC the victim had a history of mental illness and had been hospitalised in the past.
The investigation into his death is ongoing and an autopsy is expected to be conducted, authorities say.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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