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Human remains found in remote area identified as missing hunter

Paul Yelland of Midland was last seen near Watabeag Lake in October 2017
2017-11-02 Paul Yelland
Paul Yelland. Photo provided by the Ontario Provincial Police

Police have confirmed the remains found in a remote Northern Ontario area is a Midland man who went missing in 2017.

Kirkland Lake OPP was called after human remains were found on June 4 in a wooded area of Holmes Township, northeast of Matachewan. 

Police said the remains have been identified as Paul Yelland, 68, who went missing in 2017. No foul play is suspected and the investigation is complete, said OPP.

Yelland was last seen near Watabeag Lake Oct. 23, 2017.

Since his disappearance, police have renewed pleas to locate him. In 2020, an underwater search was done on Beaver Lake, which is in the area Yelland's group was camping while hunting.