The body of Claudio Worm, a 21-year-old German student who went missing in Japan in October, was found near the coastal town of Kada in Wakayama Prefecture. Police identified Worm after their body was found earlier this week. While the cause of death has not yet been determined, authorities are investigating the possibility of an accident and foul play.
Worm reported missing by family after not returning home
Worm arrived in Japan on September 21st and moved from Tokyo to Wakayama Prefecture on September 30th. His last contact with his mother was on the morning of October 10. Six days later, a friend of Worm’s father contacted the Japanese authorities, urging them to investigate the matter. He failed to return home as scheduled for the start of the semester. Wakayama police launched a public appeal on October 21 to share photos of Worm and ask the public for information.
At around 2:50 pm on November 1, a local man reported that he found a face-up human body floating on the coast near Isoura. Local maritime authorities recovered the body, which was later confirmed by forensic examination to be that of Worm. Based on an autopsy performed on Nov. 2, officials estimate Worm likely died in early October. Although severe decomposition has hampered determination of the exact cause of death, police are thoroughly investigating the incident.
Items where worms are found in various locations
As police traced Worm’s last known movements through his belongings, more details emerged. Surveillance video on October 11 showed that he arrived at Nankai Wakayama City Station alone and stored his luggage in a coin locker. Police later recovered his suitcase from the locker on October 30, adding to the mystery of his disappearance. Authorities also found Worm’s passport and several other items near a public restroom. His phone was found on a bridge along the Keno River.
The circumstances of Worm’s death remain unclear and police are continuing to investigate all potential leads.