Body found in rural Milton believed to be Curtis Hesselink, father of boy found dead in Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE - Police believe a body discovered early Friday morning in rural Milton is that of Curtis Hesselink, who has been missing for a week since the discovery of his son's body in Cambridge.

Waterloo Regional Police said Friday evening that Halton Regional Police had located a dead man in a bush area on a rural property in Milton early that morning.

Through investigation, police suspect the deceased male is Mr. Curtis Hesselink, pending confirmation following a post-mortem examination," a release stated. The death is not considered to be suspicious."

Police confirmed Friday that Hesselink is the father of the eight-year-old boy found dead last Saturday at a home on Townline Road near River Road in Cambridge.

The boy's death is considered suspicious. Earlier this week, police said an autopsy on the child did not pinpoint a cause of death. Investigators are awaiting toxicology results.

Waterloo Regional Police had been searching a wooded area with wetlands and a pond in the area of Townline Road and Blackbridge Road this week, utilizing helicopters, drones and police dogs.

Police had initially warned the public that Hesselink could be armed and dangerous, but investigators later said they did not believe there was a concern for public safety.

Police had said they believed Hesselink has information that can assist in the investigation."

That investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

Police also advised of community supports available through Victim Services of Waterloo Region at www.vswr.ca or by calling 519-585-2363 or 519-570-5143. Support is also available through Here 24/7 by visiting www.here247.ca or by calling 1-844-437-3247.

With files from Record staff

Brent Davis is a Waterloo Region-based general assignment reporter for The Record. Reach him via email: bdavis@therecord.com