On Nov. 26, 2021, Elk Point RCMP responded to a structure fire on Frog Lake First Nation. The fire was deemed an arson, and the residence was deemed unsafe to enter during the initial portion of the investigation.
RCMP Major Crimes attended Frog Lake First Nation on Dec. 21, 2021. With the assistance of St. Paul and Elk Point RCMP, Edmonton General Investigation Section and Firestorm Consulting, investigators located human remains inside the residence.
DNA testing was required to determine identity of the remains. On April 6, 2022, the remains were positively identified as those of Phillip Wade Favel (44), who was reported missing to St. Paul RCMP on November 30, 2021. Favel was last seen on Saddle Lake First Nation on Nov. 21, 2021.
Major Crimes have taken carriage of the investigation which is ongoing.