A composite sketch from 2001 (left) and 2018 (right) of what the deceased may have looked like. (Photo supplied by Alberta RCMP)

By Justin Goulet

Banff RCMP seeking public’s help in identifying historical human remains

Jan 25, 2022 | 9:09 AM

BANFF, AB – RCMP in Banff are asking for the public’s help in a historical case.

On July 11, 1998, a local area tour guide discovered human remains on the back side of Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park (via Cosmic Ray Road). Despite the investigation spanning over two decades, the remains have yet to be identified.

Mounties say that DNA was obtained from the remains and has been uploaded into the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB). Additionally, potential missing person’s files were cross referenced and ruled out by either DNA and/or dental records. The RCMP stated that there are not any known missing person’s cases that are outstanding that match this particular case.

Several items were located in the area where the remains where found, including keys with a War Amps tag, pictures and a wallet.

The summary of the Medical Examiner Forensic Anthropologist’s reports indicates that the deceased is:

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

• An adult male
• Between the ages of 19-35, “likely closer to 25”
• 5-foot-10 inches tall (177.8 cm +/-3.27 cm)
• Caucasian
• Time of death is greater than two years prior to 1998
• The deceased male possibly had rickets in infancy

Two composite sketches have been completed, in 2001 and in 2018, in an effort to show what the deceased may have looked like.

War Amps key tag insert. (Photo supplied by Alberta RCMP)

Description of items that were located in the area of the remains are as follows:

• Chrysler key (70s-80s, no vehicle was recovered)
• T.B. Vets tag with the Arms of B.C. (records are not kept prior to 1997)
• Black leather wallet with the word ‘Amity’ in gold letters
• Pictures enclosed in the wallet
• Faint markings on the reverse side of the second partial photo contained the address 524 6 ieme ave Nord, St-Antoine, J7Z-5H9
  Two photographs found in the wallet. (Photo supplied by Alberta RMCP)

The Banff RCMP is asking for help from anyone who may have information to identify the male and reunite him with his family.

Those with any information are asked to contact Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600 or a local police detachment.

Photo of keys. (Photo supplied by Alberta RCMP)

People can call CrimeStoppers if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or can provide information online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.