Human remains found along the Peace River in northern B.C. over the summer have been identified as belonging to a man reported missing more than a decade ago. Raymond Chalifoux was reported missing on May 25, 2015, after leaving the Fort St. John Hospital against the recommendations of medical staff, local Mounties said in a statement Friday. “An extensive missing person investigation was undertaken at the time; however, his whereabouts remained unknown,” the statement reads. On June 8 of this year, human remains were discovered along the river near the community of Old Fort, B.C., police said. With help from the B.C. Coroners Service and “specialized investigative resources,” police examined the remains and the area where they were found, according to Fort St. John RCMP. Earlier this week, the coroners service notified the detachment that it had identified the remains as Chalifoux. “While this is not the outcome anyone hoped for, being able to identify Mr. Chalifoux and provide answers after more than 11 years brings some closure to a long-standing missing person investigation,” said Sgt. Ian Rissanen, of the Fort St. John RCMP Serious Crimes Unit, in the statement. Police added that investigators “do not have any reason to believe that Chalifoux’s death was the result of foul play.” Nevertheless, they invited anyone with information regarding the circumstances of the death to contact Const. Shaun Wagantall at 250-787-8100.
