A joint investigation by the Yukon Coroner's Service (YCS) and the RCMP Historic Case Unit (HCU) has led to the identification of the human remains located in Lake Laberge in 2016.
Police were called to Lake Laberge on May 9, 2016 when a resident found the remains of an adult male washed ashore. This led to an intensive investigation by both YCS and the Whitehorse RCMP. No identification was located with the body. Aerial, water and ground searches of the area failed to offer any clues as to his identity.
An autopsy and a full forensic anthropological analysis was performed in Vancouver with no conclusive cause of death or further information regarding identity. Comparisons of the DNA profile, fingerprints and missing person reports, both nationally and internationally, did not yield any results.
Yukon RCMP's newly formed HCU took over the investigation in 2019. In the fall of 2020, Texas-based Othram Inc. was engaged to conduct advanced forensic DNA analysis. Further investigation with relatives in Saskatchewan was conducted and revealed an absent family member. On June 1, 2021 Yukon's YCS and HCU were able to confirm identity by way of DNA comparison.
The deceased has now been identified as Nathan Eugene Hine, who would have been 32-years old at the time his remains were recovered. Mr. Hine was originally from Alberta, but of no fixed address at the time of his death.
Historic Case investigators have confirmed Mr. Hine was in the Yukon from May to November 2015.
Anyone who knew or had contact with Mr. Hine during that time is asked to call or email the RCMP Historic Case tip line, (867) 667-5588, MDIV_HCU@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Yukon Coroner's Service and the RCMP would like to thank the local investigators who assisted on this file since May of 2016, the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains, Othram Inc., and the many family members who assisted us in our investigation. Our collaboration has been able to provide long-awaited answers and information to Mr. Hine's family and the Whitehorse community.
Contact information
Yukon RCMP - Communications
mdiv.communications@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
or
Yukon Chief Coroner
1 (867) 667-5317