Body of missing York University student Zabia Afzal found, police say

The body of a York University PhD student who was missing for more than five weeks has been found, York Regional Police say.

Zabia Afzal, a 30-year-old community activist, was last seen on the morning of May 10 in Vaughan.

Police said they are not treating her death as suspicious.

Afzal's body was found by Niagara Regional Police in that force's "marine boundaries" last Friday, York police said in a news release on Tuesday.

Const. Philip Gavin, spokesperson for the Niagara police, said the body was found in Lake Ontario about 22 kilometres north of the Welland Canal entrance in St. Catharines.

An autopsy confirmed that the remains found are that of Afzal.

Family members and friends had launched a social media campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #FindZabia, in the hopes of finding Afzal.

Family, friends searched several areas

They also searched several areas of the city for her, including Woodbine Beach, the Scarborough Bluffs shoreline, Toronto Islands, and Thorncliffe Park.

Zabia was reportedly familiar with Ashbridges Bay and the Scarborough Bluffs and did volunteer work in Thorncliffe Park.

A Facebook post on the page "Find Zabia" paid tribute to her on Tuesday.

"Hi everyone, we are deeply sorry to inform you all that Zabia's family has received confirmation that her body has been found," the post reads.

"The family is deeply appreciative of everyone's efforts in trying to locate Zabia. You have left an impact on their lives with your enormous show of concern and commitment. Please keep them in your prayers and please respect their need for privacy during this difficult time."

Funeral being held on Tuesday

According to York police, Afzal was last seen at about 9:40 a.m. on May 10 in the area of Highway 400 and Major Mackenzie Drive West.

Police received information that she was last seen later that morning at about 10:40 a.m. in the area of Ashbridges Bay.

Her brother, Zubair Afzal, said her cellphone was found with some other belongings at Ashbridges Bay after she went missing.

According to a news report, she co-founded the community organization known as Thorncliffe Reach-Out Teach-In, which has hosted self-defense classes for Muslim women and also organized a rally to counter Islamophobia in Toronto.

Her brother told CBC Toronto that a funeral is being held on Tuesday. Previously, he had described her as a "very caring" person and a "smart and bright" woman.

'You made such an impact in my life'

On Facebook, Sandhra Sam wrote: "Zabia you will forever be missed! You made such an impact in my life. RIP angel."

Sadaf Kazmi added: "May God give her parents and family the patience to bear the loss...
Moreover she was a very active person in the community who humbly served and provided services to Thorncliffe students."

Mary Ross added: "Sending prayers that peace can wrap its arms around Zabia's spirit and those of her loved ones in this difficult time."

Zsofia Mendly-Zambo‏, also a PhD student at York University, said on Twitter: "This is so heartbreaking, and a huge loss to the community and to the field of health equity studies. Rest in peace Zabia.

"We will hold you in our thoughts as we continue to fight for justice and health equity."