The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of the individual whose feet washed ashore on two separate British Columbia islands in 2008.

After an exhaustive post-mortem investigation by the Coroners Service, the feet were identified by DNA analysis as belonging to a 21-year-old Surrey resident who was reported missing in January 2004. Next-of-kin have been notified.

The feet were found on Feb. 8 and June 16, 2008, on Valdez Island and Westham Island, respectively, each with matching size 11 Nike running shoes.

Autopsies indicated the feet had not been mechanically removed but rather separated through the natural processes that occur in a marine environment. Foul play has been ruled out.

The Coroners Service led the identification process, assisted by the RCMP, Delta Police Department and other municipal departments who forwarded missing persons cases, one of which led to the DNA identification of the feet.

Seven feet belonging to five individuals were discovered between August 2007 and October 2009. The BC Coroners Service has positively identified four as belonging to three individuals. With the assistance of law enforcement partners, the service continues to work toward identifying the remaining three, which originate from one male and one female. To date, no evidence indicates any of the deaths are suspicious.

Contact:

Stephen Fonseca, Coroner

Manager, Identification & Disaster Response Unit

Office of the Chief Coroner

604 660-7753

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect