by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
BEVERWIJK, NETHERLANDS (Worthy News) – Dutch police said Monday they have found the body of a 16-year-old Ukrainian boy who went missing on Christmas Day, bringing a tragic end to a large-scale search effort involving hundreds of volunteers.
The body of Milan, whose surname was not released, was discovered in the water near Handelskade, a canal-side quay and roadway in Beverwijk, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Amsterdam, police confirmed. He had been missing since December 25.
“It is with great sadness that we report the search for Milan has ended tragically,” police said in a statement. “Milan has sadly died. We wish his family and loved ones much strength in coping with this great loss.” Authorities said an investigation into the circumstances of his death is continuing.
Police had also searched nearby Park Scheybeeck, close to the area where the Ukrainian teenager was last seen.
SEARCH FOCUSED ON NEIGHBORING AREAS
Investigators said it remains unclear how Milan went missing, though he may have walked on Christmas Day from the neighboring town of Heemskerk toward Velsen-Noord, Dutch media reported.
Reports said Milan had an intellectual disability and experienced difficulty speaking, complicating efforts to trace his movements and communicate with him after his disappearance.
Over the weekend, around 700 volunteers joined search operations across multiple locations, assisted by the Veteran Search Team, which also combed areas in nearby Velsen-Noord.
Police and local officials thanked residents for their involvement, describing the public response as “heart-warming.”
OFFICIALS THANK HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS
Alexander Luijten, mayor of Heemskerk, also expressed gratitude. “On behalf of my fellow mayors, I want to thank everyone for their help and commitment,” he said.
The case has drawn renewed attention to the broader Ukrainian refugee community in the Netherlands.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, more than 120,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in the Netherlands, according to official figures. Many are families and minors displaced by the war.
Beverwijk is a regional center in North Holland and is known for hosting one of Europe’s largest indoor markets, the Beverwijk Bazaar.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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