Human remains found 7 years ago in Ontario identified with genetic genealogy

The case of unidentified human remains found in a remote Ontario location has now been solved.

A hiker found the human remains on a cliff overlooking Montreal River Harbour, approximately an hour north of Sault Ste. Marie, on July 30, 2017, OPP said in a press release on Tuesday.

The investigation included an extensive search of the area. Clothing items, a firearm, coins and a cardboard box were located at the scene and examined, OPP said.

The man was carrying Canadian currency. It is unknown how he got to the location, but it is believed he may have taken a bus, walked or hitchhiked along the Trans-Canada Highway sometime between the spring or fall of 2016, police said.

Ontario Forensic Pathology Service determined the man was approximately 45 to 65 years old. Foul play was not suspected in his death.

Police couldn’t identify the man and released a re-enactment video on social media (see below) hoping to solve the case.

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In April 2022, police submitted the man’s DNA to the DNA Doe Project for investigative genetic genealogy use in an attempt to identify him.

In September 2023, the presumptive identity was verified and used by detectives to locate living family members, OPP said.

A family member’s DNA was used to confirm the man’s identity and the family was notified of the results. The identity of the deceased man will not be shared publicly to respect the family’s wishes.

The family has finally received answers about their loved one, OPP Acting Detective Superintendent Daniel Nadeau, Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Implementation Team, said in the press release.

“This case is another example of how technological advancements, in this instance the use of investigative genetic genealogy, can help police with historic cases,” said Nadeau. “We look forward to being able to provide more families with answers in the future, as we continue to implement this technique into our investigations.”