Body found in Berkshire water believed to be Black woman reported missing weeks ago
Edna Mmbali Ombakho, a Kenyan postgraduate student, is believed to be the woman whose body was recovered in Wraysbury
A body recovered from water in Berkshire is believed to be Edna Mmbali Ombakho, a 31-year-old Kenyan master’s student who had been reported missing earlier this year.
In a statement shared on social media, Thames Valley Police Windsor and Maidenhead said: “Following joint searches, a body was found in water in Wraysbury on Sunday (8/3).
“Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey Lowland Search & Rescue helped us in our searches and we thank them for their hard work.
“Formal identification of the woman has not yet taken place, but it is believed to be missing woman Edna, aged 31, from Wraysbury, who was reported missing on 1 February 2026. Edna’s next of kin have been informed.
“A file is being prepared for the coroner.
“Our thoughts remain with Edna’s family at this difficult time.”
Ms Edna, who was studying for a master’s degree at York St John University’s London campus, had last been seen in Wraysbury on 1 February.
Her disappearance prompted appeals from loved ones asking the public for help to trace her whereabouts.
According to Tuko, a Kenyan news outlet, members of the River of Christian Fellowship church, where Ms Edna worshipped, had planned to hold a virtual prayer meeting on Sunday evening to pray for her safe return.
However, after news of the discovery broke, the gathering took on a different tone.
Instead of prayers for her safe recovery, the meeting became a sombre moment of reflection, with attendees offering condolences and sharing tributes celebrating her life.
Those who joined the online gathering remembered Ms Edna for her kindness, faith and determination, expressing sorrow at the loss of a young woman whose life and ambitions had been cut short far from home.
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