U.S Police Search for Family of Kenyan Man Who Died in North Carolina

U.S Police Search for Family of Kenyan Man Who Died in North Carolina

Police in North Carolina, United States, are seeking the family or next of kin of a Kenyan man who died in the state in September 2026.

The Spring Lake Police Department identified the deceased as Henry Mukolwe Macharia, who was born on August 19, 1998. According to authorities, Macharia died of natural causes in Spring Lake on September 11.

Police said they have been unable to locate his relatives despite making efforts to establish contact with his family.

The department has now appealed to members of the public, including Kenyans living in the United States, to provide any information that could help authorities trace Macharia’s relatives.

“On September 11, 2026, Henry Mukolwe Macharia, DOB 8/19/1998, died of natural causes in Spring Lake, NC. Attempts to locate the family of Macharia have been unsuccessful,” the police department stated.

The appeal is aimed at ensuring that Macharia’s family is informed about his death and given an opportunity to make arrangements concerning his remains.

Police provide contacts for information

Authorities have urged anyone in the United States who knows Macharia or has information about his relatives to contact the Spring Lake Police Department.

The department can be reached through 910-436-0350.

Information can also be provided to the Cape Fear Valley Vital Statistics Office through 910-615-5584.

The appeal comes as authorities continue efforts to establish Macharia’s identity and trace his family in Kenya or elsewhere.

Kenyans respond to police appeal

Following the police announcement, several Kenyans reportedly responded through the department’s social media platforms, with some claiming to have known Macharia.

Some users identified themselves as his former classmates and shared information they believed could help authorities establish his background.

One social media user claimed Macharia was a former student at Kenya Highlands University in Kericho and suggested that the institution could assist in tracing his relatives.

“This is my former course mate from Kenya Highlands University, Kericho, Kenya. I don’t think he actually completed his course. I may not be able to locate his family. But the police department can go through the Kenyan consulate in the USA, or contact Kenya Highlands University, Kericho, Kenya, for assistance,” the user stated.

Another social media user claimed Macharia appeared on Shepherd University’s Spring 2022 Dean’s List.

The claims have not been independently confirmed by the Spring Lake Police Department, and it remains unclear whether the information provided online has helped authorities locate his family.

Kenyan authorities could help trace relatives

Cases involving Kenyan nationals who die abroad can involve coordination between local authorities and Kenyan diplomatic missions.

The Kenyan Embassy in Washington, D.C., may be able to assist with efforts to establish Macharia’s identity and trace relatives if the necessary information is formally shared with the mission.

The process may involve checking available records, including educational, immigration or other official documentation, to establish contacts for the deceased.

What happens if no family is found?

If authorities fail to locate Macharia’s relatives within the applicable period, his remains could eventually be treated as unclaimed.

The handling of an unclaimed body is governed by local procedures, which may include burial or cremation depending on the circumstances and applicable regulations.

Any property or financial assets left behind could also be subject to procedures governing unclaimed property.

For now, police are urging anyone who may know Macharia or his family to come forward as they continue efforts to ensure that his relatives are notified of his death.

The appeal also highlights the challenges authorities can face when foreign nationals die abroad without readily available family contacts or documentation.

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U.S Police Search for Family of Kenyan Man Who Died in North Carolina