Family of missing U of R rugby player thanks supporters

The family of Promise “Max” Chukwudum is thanking everyone who helped search for him.

After more than a month of looking for the University of Regina rugby player, his body was found in the Normanview area on Dec. 21.

On Monday his family released a statement on the loss.

“This is not the outcome we had expected but the support we experienced helped sustain us,” the statement read.

“Each week we called for an event, volunteers and supporters would come out to offer their assistance,” the family said in the release. “These gestures helped us continue on. Thank-you all once again. ”

The 19-year-old’s family specifically thanked the University of Regina, police and the media for their work.

Now they’re asking for time to grieve.

“Moving forward we ask for ongoing privacy during this painful period for our family,” the statement said. “Our family needs time to absorb this shock and privacy which allows us to make necessary plans as we support one another.”

In early January the family is planning a private service for Chukwudum’s close friends and supporters.