Missing Nigerian doctor found dead in US on Christmas Day

A Nigerian doctor who was earlier reported missing in the United States has been found dead, authorities have confirmed.

The body of Dr. Cletus Iwuagwu, 71, was recovered from Orchard Lake near the Stone Oak Country Club in Lucas County, Ohio, on Thursday, December 25, 2025. The discovery was made by the sheriff’s office, according to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office.

Dr. Iwuagwu was last seen on November 24, 2025, in Holland, Ohio. Family members reported him missing the following day after losing contact with him.

The coroner’s office disclosed that the Springfield Fire Department retrieved the body from the lake. While the cause and manner of death are yet to be determined, officials said there is no immediate suspicion of foul play.

An autopsy is scheduled to be carried out on Friday, December 26, to establish further details surrounding his death.

Family sources said Dr. Iwuagwu was last seen around 8 p.m. on November 24 at his office. His daughter had been receiving location updates on her phone but authorities were unable to locate him at the places indicated. He was reportedly last seen wearing a white shirt and blue trousers.

Dr. Iwuagwu was a professor in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Medicine, at the University of Toledo, as well as a geriatric medicine physician with UToledo Health.

Following the missing-person report, a spokesperson for the University of Toledo Medical Center described him as a highly respected physician and expressed hope for his safe return as investigations continued.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as they await the autopsy results to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.