Human remains found in Saugeen First Nation confirmed to be missing fisherman

Missing fisherman, Lijun, was last seen on Jan. 27, 2024 at approximately 6:30 am. He's believed to have been swept into the Saugeen River following an ice surge. (Source: Saugeen Shores Police Service)

Nearly two years after a man went missing while fishing in the Saugeen River, DNA analysis has confirmed recently discovered remains to be that of the missing fisherman.

As previously reported by CTV News, on Jan. 27, 2024 the Saugeen Shores Police Service commenced a missing persons investigation after Lijun S. failed to return to his family after fishing on the Saugeen River in Southampton.

Despite efforts from the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit and the Emergency Response Team, he was not located.

On Nov. 15, 2025, human remains were discovered on the shore near a cottage on Saugeen First Nation.

Police announced on Tuesday that DNA analysis has confirmed the human remains are that of Lijun.

It is believed that Lijun was swept away down the river in an ice floe after an ice jam gave way upstream, sending a four-foot-high ice surge his way. CTV News spoke to volunteers during search operations who say the river that day was “almost inescapable.”

“Our thoughts are with Lijun’s family,” police said in a statement.

With files from CTV News London’s Scott Miller