Family of missing UC Santa Cruz student learns their loved one’s body has been found

The father of a missing UC Santa Cruz student is relieved his daughter’s body has been found.

“I thank god that we have her back and we have certainty that we will be able to bury her,” said Agha Ahsan.

Agha Ahsan told KION he and other family members were desperate for answers so they made arrangements for a drone to search Wilder Ranch State Park on Tuesday in hopes of finding 19-year-old Shireen Ahsan, but he later learned his daughter’s body was discovered at Strawberry Beach.

“They said that they had identified the body found last night as my daughter Shireen. I’m very grateful to them and their hard work. I told my wife, obviously she is very distraught,” said Ahsan.

Shireen’s body was recovered after a cyclist came across the remains Monday.

Shireen and 25-year-old Ahmad Nourzaie were swept out to sea at Bonny Doon Beach a little more than a week ago.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office says it will continue searching for Nourzaie. A local drone operator was also given special permission to help with the search.

“We very well may find something. I did see one or two items and I couldn’t tell if it was sea weed or if it was a rock, but we will inspect the video and see if we can make some type of identification,” said John Ivey with Monterey Drone.

Shireen’s father is hoping their efforts will bring closure for both families.

“She would want us to be strong for her brothers and sisters. I think she is in a better place and I know one day we will see her again. Pray that he is also found so that his family can rest at ease as well,” said Ahsan.