The human remains found near the community of Little Grand Rapids on June 30, 2020, have been identified as 27-year-old Lorne Delmar McKay.
As a result of the release of a composite sketch to the public requesting assistance in identifying the found human remains on July 27, information was received from McKay's extended family that the drawing resembled McKay, who was then reported missing to the Little Grand Rapids RCMP on August 4. With the use of medical and dental records, the Chief Medical Examiner's Office was able to confirm his identify.
The cause of death has yet to be determined.
Little Grand Rapids RCMP along with the assistance of the Chief Medical Examiner's Office continue to investigate.
On June 30, 2020, at approximately 9:15 pm, Little Grand Rapids RCMP were notified by local residents of found human remains. The residents indicated that they were travelling on ATVs on the outskirts of Little Grand Rapids, near a lagoon area, when they came across the remains.
Since the discovery, Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services have been working closely with the Chief Medical Examiner's Office and an anthropologist from Brandon University, to determine the identity of the person and the cause of death.
Investigators have taken a number of steps to identify the individual:
- RCMP Search and Rescue personnel conducted a comprehensive search of the area on July 3, 2020, but no additional items linked to the person were found.
- A thorough review of all reported missing persons within Manitoba and the surrounding areas was also undertaken, however, none matched the description.
- A radio plea to the community asking for information about the identity of the person was also done but no new information was received.
- A database search of a fingerprint from the individual did not yield any results.
To help further the investigation, an RCMP forensic artist from Alberta was called in to assist and has created a two-dimensional reconstruction(composite) based on all available information.
The RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in identifying this person who is described as:
- A male between the ages of 35-60
- Dark brown hair
- Height 5'8 to 6'3
- Crooked but full set of teeth (the front teeth are considered a distinguishing feature)
- Wearing 'Wrangler' brand jeans with a string as a belt
"Based on the information from experts assisting us in the investigation, we believe the deceased male has been at the location where he was found, for approximately three to eight months," said Corporal Julie Courchaine of the Manitoba RCMP. "Little Grand Rapids is only accessible by aircraft in the summer, however, in the winter there is an ice road that leads north and south out of the community. This means this individual could be from anywhere in Manitoba or even outside the province. No one in the community is aware of a missing male. We are hoping someone who has not seen or heard from a loved one recently, who matches this description, will contact us to further this investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to call Little Grand Rapids RCMP at 204-397-2249 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
On June 30, 2020, at approximately 9:15 pm, Little Grand Rapids RCMP responded to a report of found human remains, in the community.
The identity of the remains is unknown at this time.
Little Grand Rapids RCMP along with our Major Crime Services, Forensic Identification Services and the Chief Medical Examiner's Office, continue to investigate.