His body was found in the river July 3 near Ross Island, but it took some time for the identity to be confirmed. Police search marshland in Akwesasne on March 31, 2023, near where the bodies of eight migrants had earlier been found. In a news release issued Friday, Akwesasne Mohawk police said the coroner's office recently confirmed Oakes's identity. Anyone with information is asked to call Akwesasne Mohawk police at 613-575-2340 or email tips@akwesasne.ca. Oakes had struggled with addictions and depression, and had tried to reach out for help, according to U.S. court records.
