Who is mystery man?

Photo: Contributed

Police composite drawing of man found dead 20 years ago.

It's been 20 years and police are still searching for the identity of a man found dead in Port Coquitlam.

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said on July 2, 1998, a man’s body was discovered by someone walking their dog near the Port Coquitlam Cemetery.

“In spite of a composite drawing, a DNA profile, and help from forensic experts, police have not been able to identify the mystery man. Now, we’re asking for your help to solve the puzzle and return the man to his family,” said McLaughlin.

“The mystery man’s body was found in a heavily wooded area in the 4100 block of Oxford Street, Port Coquitlam. A forensic anthropologist estimated that the man had already been dead between two and 10 years.”

Police are hopeful someone can help identify the man who is described as:

• Between 35 and 50 years old when he died;
• Between 5’6'' to 6’ tall;
• Mixed ancestry: Caucasian/First Nations;
• Wearing blue dress pants and remnants of a red T-shirt;
• Bad teeth:Visible tooth decay and a missing upper front tooth which was probably removed at least one year before his death;
• Osgood Schlatter disease: This condition develops during adolescence and appears as a bump on the shin below the knee. It is commonly found in young people who play physically demanding sports such as soccer or hockey;
• A healed broken nose: It may have appeared slightly lopsided or crooked.

“The mystery man’s apparent poor health indicates he may have been homeless or leading a transient lifestyle and the RCMP would like to get him back to his family,” said McLaughlin.

Anyone with information on the deceased is asked to call the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency line at 604-945-1550 and ask for Const. Michael Keller (file 1998-25600).