OPP investigating found human remains Update

OPP News Release

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Gowganda – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have concluded their investigation of the discovery of human remains at the north end of Duncan Lake in Matachewan Township, west of the Town of Gowganda. The discovery had been made by campers on July 7th 2009.

The remains were removed by the OPP North East Region Forensic Identification Services and on the 10th July 2009, investigators transported the remains to the Office of the Chief Coroner in Toronto where they were examined by a forensic anthropologist. Although the cause of death could not be determined, there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding this incident. It was determined from the examination of the remains and evidence from the investigation that the location was a historical unmarked burial site.

The Coroner’s Office has concluded their investigation and OPP investigators will follow up by contacting the Registrar from the Cemetery Regulation Unit to ensure all responsibilities under the Ontario Cemetery Act have been fulfilled. The human remains will respectfully be relocated to proper burial grounds.

The O.P.P. remind everyone that if for any reason, you come across bones and/or any other item that is believed to be human remains, do not disturb anything, secure the scene and immediately contact the Coroner’s office or your local police.

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