The body of a man recently interviewed by SooToday is believed to have washed up on a beach in southeastern Ontario, police are seeking help from the public in finding his name

This man was last interviewed by SooToday on September 15 pushing a bicycle and canoe eastbound along Highway 17 near Espanola. Huron County OPP believe his body recently washed up on a beach north of Port Albert and are asking the public to help find his real name. Jeff Klassen/SooToday

1 / 1 This man was last interviewed by SooToday on September 15 pushing a bicycle and canoe eastbound along Highway 17 near Espanola. Huron County OPP believe his body recently washed up on a beach north of Port Albert and are asking the public to help find his real name. Jeff Klassen/SooToday

Huron County OPP believe that a body washed up on a shore in Southeastern Ontario is that of a man recently interviewed by SooToday.

On Sept. 15, SooToday interviewed a homeless man identifying himself as Mitchell Nelson on a cross country bike and canoe journey from Edmonton, Alb. to London, Ont.

During the last couple of weeks, Huron County OPP have been investigating the identity of a body found washed up on a beach north of Port Albert in Southeastern Ontario.

Regrettably, it is believed that the man interviewed and the deceased are the same.

In a press release issued today, Huron County OPP stated that they believe the name Mitchell Nelson was assumed and are seeking help from the public in finding out his real identity.

The man was last interviewed by SooToday pushing a bicycle and 15-foot canoe eastbound along Highway 17 near Espanola.

He said his plans were to pull his canoe to the far Eastern side of Manitoulin Island and then make the journey across Georgian Bay and Lake Huron to southeastern Ontario.

The man said he had spent the last eight years working jobs in Alberta and travelling out west but that now that the economy has changed he was heading back to London, Ontario to see friends and family.

The man also mentioned plans to move to Northern Ontario, “near Ottawa”, next summer.

A press release issued by OPP follows.

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PORT ALBERT - On Oct. 15, 2016 Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) located a deceased male on the beach north of Port Albert, Ont.

Through the course of the investigation by the Huron County OPP Crime Unit investigators discovered that a journalist working in Northern Ontario had captured photos of the victim near Espanola, Ont. in September.

It was further determined that the victim was traveling from Alberta to Ontario under the assumed name of “Mitchell Nelson”.

Police investigators need to confirm the victims’ name and are seeking help from the public in identifying the proper name of the victim. Police would like to speak with anyone who can identify the male party depicted in the attached photos.

The victim is described as:

• White, male

• Average to medium build

• Balding with grey hair

• Thin moustache.

• Approximately 30-60 years old

Clothing:

• Blue “Fluid” life jacket

• Black fleece type pullover/jacket

• Black wind pants with letter “PEP” on a shield

• White and black Nike running shoes

Anyone with information can contact the Huron County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or their local police agency immediately. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

The investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.

“It is unfortunate we have to notify the next-of-kin in this manner, but we have no other option other than to seek help from the public in this instance.” - Detachment Commander Inspector Younan.

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