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Tips pour in for missing person

To date, the missing persons' hotline has received 36 fresh tips from the public
missing man algonquin park clay facial reconstruction
A clay facial reconstruction from remains found in Algonquin Park. OPP supplied.

You may recall a story we ran last month about police efforts to identify human remains first recovered in Algonquin Park back in 1980.

See: Man died in Algonquin Park. Do you recognize him?

On July 26, 2017, several photos and video of a three-dimensional clay facial reconstruction created by the OPP Forensic Artist were released to the media and on a number of social media platforms.

To date, the missing persons' hotline has received 36 fresh tips from the public. 

The total number of impressions or times the content was displayed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, including English and French content, was 62,904. Videos posted to OPP Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels in both English and French received a total of 12,273 views.

"The results of our efforts to combine forensic sciences, new technology and professional artistry with innovative use of social media are simply amazing and really gratifying," said OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes.

"We remain positive that we can provide resolution to this unidentified person's family or friends even after all these years." 

On April 19, 1980, a hiker using the Hardwood Lookout Trail near Whitney, located human remains. The hiker had taken a shortcut off the trail and found the remains approximately 77 metres from trail marker number five.

A subsequent search of the immediate area located a size 11, Greb-brand boot, a wallet containing no identification, clothing, a black sleeping bag, a camp stove and an aluminum cooking pot. In 1995, another search of the area resulted in more remains being recovered. 

Forensic anthropological analysis suggests that the individual was a Caucasian male, aged 18 to 29 years. He had blonde hair varying in length from six to 11 inches, which may have been worn tied back in a ponytail. His belt showed wear at the 32-inch hole. The cause of death is not known. Information recovered from the scene and a stamp found in the wallet led analysts to determine that his death occurred between July 1, 1971, and Spring of 1978.

Anyone with new information on the case can call a dedicated missing person hotline toll-free at 1-877-934-6363 (1-877-9-FINDME). You can also submit information by e-mail at [email protected]