Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed the identity of human remains found in Algonquin Park in 1980 as Eric (Ricky) Singer, a man from Ohio, using investigative genetic genealogy techniques. The remains, along with personal items, were discovered by a hiker near the Hardwood Lookout Trail in April 1980. Despite extensive efforts, the identity of the deceased remained a mystery for decades.
After additional remains were found in 1995 and a clay facial reconstruction in 2017 yielded no positive identification, police turned to investigative genetic genealogy in 2022. Through this method, they were able to establish a connection with Singer’s family, who confirmed his identity the following year.
Ricky Singer, last seen at his parents’ home in Berea, Ohio, in 1973, had been missing for years. His sisters, who recently visited the trail in Algonquin Park where their brother’s remains were found, expressed relief and closure upon finally learning the truth.
OPP Senior Detective Inspector Sean Chatland praised the use of investigative genetic genealogy in resolving the case, emphasizing its importance in bringing closure to families and solving long-standing mysteries.