Body Formally Identified as Sope

Fellow students and university staff say they were “deeply saddened” on hearing the news.

The body has been identified as that of Hatfield student, Sope Peters

A spokesman for Durham Police said: “We have confirmed this morning that the body recovered from the River Wear was that of Sope Peters.

“An inquest into his death will open on Thursday at the Coroners Office in Crook.”

The twenty-year-old economics student went missing over 6 weeks ago on a night out with friends in Durham.

A major search was launched, and members of his family flew over from North Virginia to assist officers with the appeal to trace him.

His mother, Tolu Peters, remained hopeful that her son would be found alive

But on 8th December a body was discovered in the river between Prebends Bridge and Framwelgate Bridge. The body has now been formally identified as that of Sopefoluwa Peters, known to family and friends as Sope.

A post mortem examination has now been carried out, including forensic tests to complete the formal identification process. Police do not believe anyone else was involved in Mr Peters’ disappearance.

Professor Timothy Burt, Master of Sope’s college, Hatfield, said: “Members of Hatfield College are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sope Peters.

“Sope was a second-year economics student. He came to Durham University in 2011 and was at Stephenson College where he was a Foundation Year student.”

“He joined Hatfield College in October 2012 to begin his degree studies.”

“Sope was a popular student who will be greatly missed.”

“We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends”.

The thoughts of everyone at The Tab are with Sope’s family and friends at this time.