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Missing Delray Runner Found Dead, Police Say No Foul Play, Public Disagrees

by | May 27, 2023 | Delray Beach News | 1 comment

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Makuach Yak, 31, Passed Away

DELRAY BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2023) — Missing runner, 31-year-old Makuach “Paul” Yak, was found dead in a nature preserve near his Delray Beach home.

After days of people searching and praying, Paul’s body was located in the Delray Oaks Nature Area, not far from his home. Many people are sad to lose this amazing young man. Many others are outraged. Police say they do not suspect foul play; however, the public apparently disagrees.

The Delray Beach Police Department issued the following statement on social media.

It is with great sadness to announce that Makuach Yak, 31, was found deceased this evening inside the Delray Oaks Natural Area. Right now, it appears his death is not criminal in nature. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
The investigation remains open. Please keep Mr. Yak’s family in your prayers while they deal with this tremendous loss.
Delray Beach Police Department
Source: Facebook

Many people argue that there is more to the story and that something happened to Makuach “Paul” Yak. Of course, the internet sleuths have started doing what they do. Armchair detectives are confidently throwing allegations that the Police are covering something up. There is a popular video made by someone who clearly doesn’t know the area, making references to “South Beach”, implying that there is more to the story.

Even though Delray Beach Police say that the circumstances around Paul’s death don’t appear to be criminal in nature “right now”, many of Paul’s friends are taking to social media, demanding answers. One person even started a rumor that Makuach Yak was found hanging from a tree and cited several news articles of unrelated, 20-year-old cases. Boca Post is actively working on disproving that rumor; however, Delray Beach PD has not responded to our request for comment. We will update this article if that happens; however, Delray PD is notorious for withholding information from the media.

Where does the investigation stand? Like any suspicious death in Palm Beach County, the PBC Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. Delray Beach PD, at this time, is telling the public that they do not suspect foul play. Of course, social media is in disagreement, with internet sleuths doing what they do.

Some of the questions that people are publicly asking:

  • Why does such an avid runner jog without a wallet, phone, smartwatch, ID, or anything?
  • Why did it take so long for authorities to search where he was found?
  • Was he drugged?

One thing is very evident, Makuach Yak was an amazing young man. People who knew Paul only say great things about him. His friends and family are grieving the loss of an incredible young man.

Lou Nuer community is devastated, hearing loss of this young man, Paul Makuach Yak. No one expected the outcome to turn out this way. While the investigation is ongoing we ask to keep his family in our prayers. Knowing the circumstances and cause of death is important to all his friends, colleagues, community and his family. To Yak family, our community will be with you to find out what had happened. Our prayers will continue to be with you.
Toang Buom
Chairman of Lou Nuer Community
Source: Facebook
Yak’s family posted the following statement on social media, hours after Delray Beach Police announced the devastating update:
As the family of Makuach Yak, It is with great sadness to announce that Makuach Yak, 31, was found deceased this evening inside the Delray Oaks Natural Area. Right now, it appears his death is not criminal in nature. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains open. Makuach born on May 3rd, 1992 in Akobo, South Sudan was more than just a missing person; he was a son who brought immeasurable joy to his parents’ lives, a brother who shared a unique bond with his siblings, and a friend who touched the hearts of all who crossed his path. The thought of his loved ones yearning for his presence, of his friends desperately seeking his laughter and companionship, is a weight that will linger in our souls because of the immense impact he left on each and every one of us will forever be felt. Let us stand united, holding the flickering flame of Makuach’s love and influence he left in this world. Please keep our family, friends, and all individuals who got to know, love, cherish, and spend time with Makuach Yak in your prayers while we deal with this tremendous loss. Please be respectful in regards to reaching out to our family members and friends who have been close to this situation and to allow for time to grieve.
We will be closely following this case and will continue to try to get answers. Follow this article on Boca Post for updates.

1 Comment

  1. Would not be the
    First time
    DBP did not give accurate info!

    I’ve witnessed a few incidents over the years, along with others, and we were shocked at how misleading and untruthful they were. Which resulted in very awful circumstances for victims, but made the police look good and also made them and the courts lots of $$$.

    Now I do know there’s missing information here without a cause of death. I do know internet sleuths can be VERY helpful, many deportment’s actually USE information discovered by many public minds working together – but many people have wacky and unfounded ideas and opinions too!

    I’d like to hear the families opinion or those that knew him closely… yet they are shocked and grieving I’m sure.

    Reply

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