Missing Virginia man found dead in creek

Darrius AppiahPhoto byFredericksburg Police Department, Fredericksburg Virginia

FREDERICKSB URG, Va. – The body of a man missing since January was recently recovered from Hazel Creek.

On January 25, 2024, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) posted a public plea for help in locating 22-year-old Darrius Appiah.

The post gave physical descriptors of the young man and stated that he was last seen wearing a blue winter coat, blue jeans, and brown hiking boots and may be driving a dark green 2004 Lexus RX SUV with Virginia license plate VBT8217. No details were given as to what may have happened prior to his disappearance.

According to an online media release from the Fredericksburg Police Department, their E-911 Center received a report that a body was found in the Hazel Run creek shortly after 10 a.m.on February 3. The creek is located at the intersection of Blue and Grey Parkway and Lafayette Boulevard.

The Fredericksburg Fire Department and Rescue Squad responded to the area, and the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. An on-call detective was also requested. At approximately 1:50 p.m., the remains was recovered and identified as those of Darius Appiah.

Mr. Appiah's body has been transported to the Medical Examiner's office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Appiah is the son of Ghana-born Reverend Maxwell Appiah, the Senior Pastor at Revelation City Church, in Fredericksburg.

Original missing poster announcementPhoto byRevelation City Church - Fredericksburg, Va

A post on the Revelation City Church Facebook page reads, "We believe Darius is now HOME and SAFE in our Heavenly Father’s Arms. Though we are one man down, THE BATTLE IS NOT OVER. We must NOW pursue Justice for Darius."

The Fredericksburg Police Department is actively investigating the incident and posted the following information within the media release:

If you have any information about Mr. Appiah or what transpired leading up to his disappearance, contact the police at 540-373-3122.

To make an anonymous tip, send a text to "847-411" and text "FPDtip" followed by your tip. Or, download the FPD Tip app available for Android and iPhones. Search "FPD Tip" in the Google or iTunes App Store.

The Fredericksburg Police Department sends its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Appiah, who have remained dedicated to finding him since he went missing.