The Ontario Provincial Police have identified the remains of a man found on a cliff overlooking Montreal River Harbour north of the Sault seven years ago.
Police used investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) to complete the investigation.
On July 30, 2017, a hiker found the remains at the location about an hour north of the Sault.
Members of the Superior East Wawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began an investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
"An extensive search of the area was completed with support from the Emergency Response Team, Aviation Unit and detachment members. Clothing items, a firearm, coins and a cardboard box were located at the scene and examined," a release from police noted. "The deceased was carrying Canadian currency. It is unknown how the individual arrived at the location, but it is believed they may have taken a bus, walked or hitchhiked."
The Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) determined that the remains were of a male, approximately 45 to 65 years old and foul play was not suspected in his death. The OPP requested public assistance for information and released a re-enactment video through social media.
The investigation continued and in April 2022, CIB detectives submitted the male's DNA to the DNA Doe Project for IGG use in an attempt to determine his identity and, in September 2023, the presumptive identity was verified and used by detectives to locate living family members. A family member's DNA was used to confirm the male's identity and the family was notified of the results. Police are not releasing the man's identity to respect the family's wishes.
"Thanks to the investigative efforts and support from many OPP units, the OCC/OFPS and the DNA Doe Project, a family has finally received answers about their loved one," acting detective superintendent Daniel Nadeau, Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Implementation Team, OPP CIB said in a prepared statement. "This case is another example of how technological advancements, in this instance the use of investigative genetic genealogy, can help police with historic cases. 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."