Remains found near Old Fort identified as Raymond Chalifoux

More than 11 years after Raymond Chalifoux disappeared from Fort St. John, police have confirmed that human remains found near Old Fort earlier this year were his.

Chalifoux was reported missing on May 25, 2015, after leaving the Fort St. John Hospital against the recommendations of medical staff.

An extensive investigation followed, but police were never able to determine where he had gone.

The case remained open for more than a decade.

Then, on June 8 of this year, human remains were found along the Peace River near Old Fort.

Fort St. John RCMP attended the area along with the BC Coroners Service and specialized investigative resources, beginning the work of determining who had been found.

That answer came Oct. 19.

Following forensic analysis and further investigation, the BC Coroners Service notified Fort St. John RCMP that the remains had been positively identified 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 Sergeant Ian Rissanen of the Fort St. John RCMP Serious Crimes Unit.

Police have not released much more about the circumstances surrounding Chalifoux’s death.

At this point in the investigation, RCMP say they have no reason to believe foul play was involved.

The investigation has at least provided an answer to a missing person case that had remained unresolved in Fort St. John since 2015.

RCMP say additional information may be released if it becomes available.

Anyone who may know something about the circumstances surrounding Chalifoux’s death is asked to contact Constable Shaun Wagantall with the Fort St. John RCMP Serious Crimes Unit at 250-787-8100.