A devastating development has emerged in the search for a missing university student after police confirmed that a body has been found weeks after he was last seen running along a busy road late at night. The tragic discovery brings a heartbreaking end to a case that captured public attention and left a family clinging to hope that their loved one would be found alive.
Aryan Sharma, a 20-year-old robotics student, was reported missing after he vanished in the early hours of November 22. His disappearance sparked an extensive police search and a wave of concern across the local community in Loughborough, Leicestershire, and beyond.
Last Known Movements Captured on CCTV
Mr Sharma was last seen at approximately 12.30am on November 22, when CCTV cameras captured him running down Meadow Lane on the outskirts of Loughborough. The footage, later released by police, showed him sprinting along a busy road in the middle of the night, raising urgent questions about what might have happened in the moments leading up to his disappearance.
Earlier that evening, Aryan had left his accommodation around 9.30pm. Witnesses later reported seeing him walking toward Stanford-on-the-Soar, a nearby village. After that point, all contact with him was lost, prompting immediate concern among family and friends when he failed to return or respond to messages.
Weeks of Searching and Growing Fears
Following the report of Aryan’s disappearance, Leicestershire Police launched an extensive search operation. Officers carried out ground searches, reviewed CCTV footage, and appealed repeatedly to the public for information that could help trace his movements.
The case drew widespread attention, with community members joining search efforts and sharing appeals across social media. Despite the ongoing investigation, days passed with no confirmed sightings, and concern steadily grew as cold weather set in.
Police focused much of their attention on areas close to where Aryan was last seen, including nearby waterways and rural routes. However, for weeks, the search yielded no definitive answers.
Tragic Discovery in the River Soar
On the evening of Sunday, December 14, police received a report that a body had been seen in the River Soar near Normanton on Soar, not far from where Aryan was last captured on CCTV. Officers from the force’s Tactical Support Team were immediately deployed to the scene, supported by the National Police Air Service.
After an extensive search of the river, a body was located. On Thursday, Leicestershire Police confirmed the discovery, stating that although formal identification had yet to take place, it was believed the body was that of Aryan Sharma.
Police Statement and Ongoing Procedures
In a statement, Leicestershire Police said:
“A body has been found following extensive searches for a Loughborough student who was reported missing. Aryan Sharma was last seen on CCTV in Meadow Lane, on the outskirts of Loughborough, at around 12.30am on Saturday 22 November.”
The force added that a file would be prepared for HM Coroner, as part of standard procedure. At this stage, police have not indicated any evidence of third-party involvement, though the full circumstances will be examined through formal processes.
Specialist officers are continuing to support Aryan’s family during this extremely difficult time.
Family’s Heartbreaking Plea Before the Discovery
Before the body was found, Aryan’s family had made emotional appeals for help, saying they were devastated by his disappearance and desperate to bring him home safely.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Aryan’s cousin Jagi Sawhney described the depth of their anguish. “We are devastated as a family,” he said. “We just want to find him safe. He’s loved by this family. He is an older brother, he’s a cousin, he’s one of the five boys of this family.”
He also expressed concern about the lack of contact, adding: “Our biggest concern now is that no one in the family has spoken to him since at least Friday. It’s been really cold since he has been missing, and we haven’t been able to get in contact with him.”
A Family United by Hope and Love
The family’s appeal emphasized how much Aryan meant to those around him. They urged anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward, stressing that every detail could matter.
“Please help locate him,” Mr Sawhney said. “He’s loved by everyone in this family, and we just want him home safely. No matter how small the information might be, please support the investigation and share that information with police so that we can just find him and get him home.”
In a particularly emotional moment, the family also addressed Aryan directly, hoping he might somehow see their message. “If Aryan sees this, we want him to know how loved he is,” his cousin said. “We want him to know how much we all just want him to come home.”
Community Shock and Reflection
News of the body’s discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community. Fellow students, university staff, and residents have expressed deep sadness at the outcome of the search. Many described Aryan as a bright and intelligent young man with a promising future ahead of him.
The case has also reignited conversations around student welfare, mental health, and safety, particularly for young people navigating life away from home. The image of Aryan running alone down a road late at night has left many questioning what might have led to his final moments.
Respecting Privacy as Investigation Continues
As formal identification and coroner proceedings move forward, police have asked the public and media to respect the family’s request for privacy. Specialist officers remain in close contact with Aryan’s loved ones, offering support as they begin to process their grief.
What began as a hopeful search for a missing student has ended in tragedy, leaving a family and community mourning the loss of a young life. While the investigation will continue to establish the full circumstances, Aryan Sharma will be remembered by those who loved him as a cherished son, brother, and friend whose disappearance has left an indelible mark.