The sister of a Windsor man is asking the public for help as she prepares for his funeral.
A GoFundMe page has been set for the family of Oyebode Oyenuga. The 25-year-old was reported missing in early February. His body was discovered on Walpole Island on March 17. Ontario Provincial Police formally confirmed the discovery this week and said Friday that it is now treating the case as a homicide.
Oyenuga's sister, Damilola, said the family went through four months of anguish, and his passing came just as he was about to enter the next phase of his life.
"Bode had two classes left to complete his second degree in Computer Science Software Engineering at the University of Windsor. He would've been done in April 2021," wrote Damilola. "He was looking forward to his completion and would always tell me in his last few weeks how he couldn't wait to elevate to his next chapter in life. Unfortunately, that didn't happen for him."
Damilola added that her brother's kind and selfless attitude will be greatly missed.
"He cared and loved so deeply. My brother was the kindest, sweetest and most generous soul you would ever come across," wrote Damilola. "He would give his last dime if he could. Constantly went out of his way for others and put others before himself."
The GoFundMe campaign seeks support for various family expenses, including a funeral. As of Friday afternoon, the page had accumulated over $20,100 in pledges with a goal of $25,000.
The Lambton County OPP Crime Unit leads the investigation into Oyenuga's death, with assistance from Windsor police, the Walpole Island police, the Office of the Chief Coroner, and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
Anyone with information should call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
-With files from Matt Weverink