Body Found In Ambrose Channel ID’ed As Missing Bensonhurst Man Xiao Bo Zhu

A man found unresponsive in the Ambrose Channel near Sandy Hook yesterday has been identified as the 24-year-old Bensonhurst man who went missing on April 20.

Xiao Bo Zhu, who suffered from anxiety, made suicidal statements before leaving his family’s home on 18th Avenue late that night. A suicide note was found in his wallet. Devastated family members launched an urgent search for their missing son, posting signs with his photo around the neighborhood.

On Wednesday, May 13, police responded to a 911 call of a male in the water in the Ambrose Channel — approximately 6.5 miles off Rockaway Beach — at 2:30pm. Update [12:20]: The body was discovered by a fisherman Wednesday at 6:30am, who used his boat to pull the body to shore, reports ABC 7.

Officers found the man unconscious and unresponsive. They retrieved Zhu from the water and transported him to Gateway Marina, where EMS pronounced him dead.

The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death and the investigation is ongoing.

Our thoughts with Zhu’s family and friends during this difficult time.