Missing Canadian Journalist Dave Walker Found Dead in Cambodia

Press Release

Statement by Dave Walker’s Family

1 May 2014

Dear all,

The family, friends, and many loved ones of Dave Walker are deeply saddened that Dave was found dead today, May 1, at the Angkor Wat temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

He had been missing since he disappeared from his residence under very disturbing circumstances in Siem Reap on February 14 this year.

Dave Walker’s family wants to thank the Cambodian Siem Reap Provincial Immigration Police for their professional cooperation and efforts, in particular when Dave’s body was found near the Victory gate entranceway at the Angkor Wat temples late this morning.

The site where his body was discovered was secured by Cambodian authorities and, at the request of Dave’s family, a senior medical doctor from Siem Reap went to the site to do a professional examination of Dave’s body to determine the proper procedures to follow to determine the cause of his death. The doctor, after a professional examination, concluded he could not determine the cause of death and recommended a specialist pathologist be brought in to determine the cause and circumstances of Dave’s death and that an autopsy be performed.

Cambodian law enforcement officials from the Siem Reap provincial Immigration police, whose cooperation is appreciated by the family of Dave Walker, secured the scene and said it appeared that Dave died several weeks ago. A pathologist is being brought in to confirm forensics and a medical autopsy will be arranged to attempt to determine the cause and time of Dave’s death.

Dave’s body was reportedly discovered by a Cambodian child and the Cambodian police have secured the area, pending further investigation.

Dave lived a remarkable life and was loved by many thousands around the world. We want to thank the Cambodian people for the love they have shown Dave that was equal to the nearly 30 years of love Dave devoted to Cambodia and it’s people.

Many thousands of Cambodians, as did Dave, died under senseless and tragic circumstances. Dave devoted his life to bring to justice those responsible for the deaths of more than 2 million Cambodian in the 30 years he worked and lived in that country.

Dave Walker’s family asks that the Cambodian authorities continue their efforts to determine the cause of Dave’s disappearance and death and Dave’s family and loved ones request that the Canadian government begin now to formally investigate, in order to move forward and bring those who were responsible for Dave’s senseless death to justice.   The family requests that their privacy be respected and that people respect the investigation into the circumstances and causes of Dave Walker’s death.

On behalf of Dave Walker’s family: Brad Gordon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia ([email protected]/+855 78 777 417).