Nicholas Degraff, 23, always wanted a German shepherd, so in 2018 he brought Leah home. The beautiful dog quickly became attached to her human, and they spent a lot of time together.
But in December 2021, Degraff went missing. He was last seen walking Leah in Great Clifton, England. After that, no one heard from him and his social network went down. No one knows what happened to Degraff, but when officials found Leah alone by the river, they knew something terrible had happened.
The tragedy of the dog witness
On December 12, 2021, Leah sat on the banks of the River Derwent. She barked constantly and seemed eager to stay in that position. The Degraff leash used to walk Leah was found underwater. So officials believe Degraff got into the river and likely drowned.
They searched the area for three days, trying to find Leah’s best friend, but without success. Later, officers stated that they did not think Degraff was in the river, but the young man’s family believed he might still be there. It is also possible that he was swept out to sea.
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It was not until January 21, 2022, that Degraff’s body was found. His body was cut in half and washed into the sea. The lower half of his body lay, wearing the clothes he was last seen in. Degraff’s parents confirmed that the shoes matched the boots their son wore.
“The lower half of a person in black jogging pants and black boots has been found. [in the hopper]’ said Detective Inspector Hayley Wilkinson.
Forever a mystery
The exact cause of death has never been confirmed. Coroner Kirsty Gomersal called Degraff’s death a “mystery”. The only person who knows why he got into the river and how he died is Leah, who likely stayed on the riverbank the whole time.
“Only Leah can really tell us that – if only dogs could talk. That’s the biggest mystery – how Nic ended up in the river is a mystery and that’s something only Leah can tell us,” said Gomersal.
Degraff’s death was a tragedy, and his family is heartbroken by his sudden passing. When they reminisce about their loved one, they recall how funny and mischievous that person was. He always tells interesting stories, and his family will remember them.
Leah was by her best friend’s side until the very end. If only she could tell us the side of her story.
Featured pictures: Facebook
