LUMBERTON — Lumberton police today identified the person whose body was pulled from the Lumber River as being a 21-year-old city man named Edward Oxendine Jr.
According to a statement from police Capt. Terry Parker, the identification came after the body was examined at the state Medical Examiner’s Office in Chapel Hill. The report found “no physical signs of trauma” to Oxendine’s body.
Oxendine lived on Mallard Drive, according to the statement, and was last seen on Jan. 17 in the early morning walking on Riverbrooke Lane in Lumberton after he left his girlfriend’s residence. His girlfriend reported him missing two days later to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Oxendine’s body was pulled from the river near the Second Street bridge on Monday about 12:15 p.m., shortly after someone in a canoe spotted it and called police. The body, which was fully clothed, was badly decomposed and had no identification on it.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Dereck Evans, the lead investigator, at the Lumberton Police Department 910-671-3845.
How do I know this ... I lost my best friend "DADDY". That was 44 years ago! ... yes, I will never forget that loss and experience; in addition, I still miss him and I always will. That was 20 years ago. Now I have lost my mom. She was 80 years old and a loving Christian.
Just remember you are a special person and THAT IS A VERY SPECIAL AND IMPORTANT PERSON ... "U".
After all You are one of God's Children ... regardless your age! Just realize God is in charge of us ... He gave us a life experience here on earth and he wanted you to enjoy this opportunity. YES .... HE is awaiting your visit BUT he knows when that timing will be right.
LOVE U and know that you have friends and family that also LOVE U.
Windspirit