Ontario Provincial Police are hoping that someone in Canada can help solve the mystery of an Alberta man found dead on the shores of Lake Huron earlier this year.
Police said the man was found dead on a beach just north of Port Albert, Ont. on Oct. 15, but released few details on the investigation and declined to say whether the man’s death was considered suspicious.
“At this point we’re currently seeking the public’s assistance to try and identify him or next-of-kin or a family member that can assist us with confirming his identity,” OPP Sgt. Mike Butler said Friday.
“We’re just needing that extra link from the public and are hoping someone in the province or the country can identify him so we can close our investigation.”
READ MORE: Ontario police ask public for help identifying Alberta man found dead on beach
Despite a thorough investigation, widespread media coverage and more than 100 tips from the public, investigators say they are still unable to confirm the man’s identity.
Police say a journalist in northern Ontario took photos of the man near Espanola, Ont. in September and that man identified himself as 57-year-old Mitchell Nelson and indicated he was travelling from Alberta to visit family and friends in the London area.
The mystery man also indicated he had relatives in the Ottawa area.
Police provided the following description of the man:
30 to 60 years old- Balding with grey hair
- Thin moustache
- Average to medium build
- Wearing a blue “Fluid” lifejacket, black fleece-type pullover or jacket, black wind pants with the letters “PEP” on a shield and black Nike running shoes.
Port Albert, Ont. is about 120 kilometres north of London, Ont. Police did not say where in Alberta they believe the man is from.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Huron County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or their local police detachment. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
With files from Phil Heidenreich and The Canadian Press