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Kelowna  

Missing man led double life

Kelowna RCMP have closed the books on a decades-old missing person case.

This one, it was discovered, had a twist – it appears the man was living a double life.

The unidentified man, now deceased, was reported missing in 1978.

During a recent review of the case, it was determined he had been living under an assumed name when he went missing, and left behind another family under his real identity.

RCMP Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey, said his two daughters, previously unaware of each other's existence, are now in contact.

"The feeling of not having those answers can only be understood by someone who has experienced it," said one daughter. "I cannot thank the RCMP enough for the support I have received throughout this investigation. It meant so much to me to know that they would never give up on trying to find my dad."

O'Donaghey said police have been revisiting cold cases in hopes new techniques and technology can help solve them.

In West Kelowna, police are asking for assistance in locating Thomas Matson, reported missing March 28, 2000.

Matson had been staying temporarily in Peachland while en route from Calgary to Vancouver, and was last seen walking on Beach Avenue on May 15, 1999.

Despite extensive police investigation there has been no sign of him since.

At the time, he was 44, and described as:

  • Height: six feet two inches
  • Weight: 172 pounds
  • Hair: Brown
  • Eyes: Blue
  • Ethnicity: Caucasian

Anyone with information is asked to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or CrimeStoppers.



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