Hours later, Josiya Taundi received the call from authorities that the victim was his missing 33-year-old son, David Taundi.
"It was hell. It was hell," Josiya said.
In December, Action News first reported about the bizarre disappearance of the Roxborough man and Bank of America employee.
Investigators say in the early morning hours of December 16th, David Taundi's Toyota Camry hit a pole on the 5200 block of Henry Avenue, flipped over and caught fire.
A witness told police a man climbed out of the driver's side and simply walked off, never to be seen again.
His father has spent the past two months working with police, searching.
In an Action News exclusive, Josiya tells us he was in the process of gathering money to hire a private investigator to help find his son when Taundi's body was discovered.
"I was very surprised because the police had told me they were going to comb that whole creek and find out if anyone would be there," Josiya said.
Philadelphia Police haven't said if they searched the waters near the accident scene looking for Taundi, which is a little more than a mile away from where his body was found.
Josiya says an autopsy has been done, but the medical examiner hasn't ruled on the cause of death. Until that happens, this father can't have closure.
"He had a passion for excellence and he was so affable that you can judge that by the number of phone calls and friends who are coming to share my grief," Josiya said.
Josiya says his son was a man who was involved with charitable organizations.
Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter has released the following statement on the death of David Taundi:
The staff, Board of Directors and many volunteers of the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter are devastated by the news of David Taundi's death. David was more than just an employee to the Association. He was an honorable, considerate gentleman with an easy smile who believed deeply in our mission. David volunteered with several of our committees, including Chocolate Symphony and Junior Committees, outside of his working hours at the Association and Bank of America. We thank the media, Philadelphia Police, and Chapter supporters who helped with the search and investigation since he became missing December 15. Our hearts are heavy and we extend our sincerest condolences to his loved ones. David will be deeply missed by many.
The investigation continues.
