Family of missing Auckland student Laurence Wu didn't want police to close case
Tuesday, 4 June 2019
The family of a missing Auckland student are upset police have closed their investigation and have referred his disappearance to the coroner.
Laurence Wu, a 22-year-old Auckland University student, went missing almost three months ago.
His family travelled from China to Auckland to help with the search, returning home at the beginning of May, not knowing if he was dead or alive.
Just days ago, a $200,000 reward was offered by his family for anyone who finds him or his body, or who can provide information that will lead police to him.
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Hi brother Lucas Wu said his family was OK with searches being called off but did not want police to stop investigating his brother's disappearance.
He said his parents couldn't accept the possibility their son may be dead and missed him terribly.
'My parents just want my brother back,' he said.
Sergeant Tania Kingi said police investigating Laurence Wu's disappearance had worked tirelessly since he went missing.
'We understand how devastating his disappearance has been for his family, and our hearts go out to them.
'The police staff involved in this investigation wanted nothing more than to be able to provide the answers that the family so desperately seeks at this time, and it is unfortunate that we have not been able to achieve this, despite our best efforts.'
Kingi said police had carried out several aerial sweeps of the area and completed ground searches along the west coast.
'Sadly, none of these searches has uncovered any trace of Laurence.'
Kingi said after completing lines of inquiry, there was no evidence to suggest foul play.
'Police are not treating his disappearance as suspicious and the matter is being referred to the coroner.'
Lucas Wu earlier told Stuff his family had faced 'the most difficult, toughest and painful times' since his disappearance.
Laurence Wu, also known as Guoquan, was last seen at St Lukes Liquor Centre in central Auckland on March 10 and, according to a friend, his ex-girlfriend was the last person to have spoken to him.
His car was later found at West Auckland's Piha Beach, where his phone was also last used.
The search for him took place over land, sea and air, with his family hiring a helicopter and boat to help.
Talking to Stuff in March, Lucas described his brother as 'a happy one, funny - a little bit'.
'He loved New Zealand very much,' he said.
Wu and his siblings were sent to New Zealand by their father to study in 2012. They all lived together while he attended Mount Albert Grammar.
He was set to graduate with a degree in computer science this year.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Supporting Families in Mental Illness - 0800 732 825