VPD asks public to help identify man who died after being found in distress near Keefer and Columbia

The Vancouver Police Department is asking for the public's help to put a name to a man who died in hospital after being found in medical distress on a sidewalk near Keefer and Columbia streets.

According to the VPD, the man was found on Sept. 7 and taken to hospital. He died there on Sept. 11. Police said investigators do not suspect foul play and are not conducting a criminal investigation.

Why it matters

The request is about identification, not a criminal case. Police have already tried several ways of establishing who the man was, and none has worked.

Investigators said they have tried DNA, checked missing person reports and searched police databases. Without a match from any of those, the VPD is now turning to the public, asking anyone who recognizes the description or the tattoo to come forward.

What we know

• Where and when: The man was found on a sidewalk near Keefer and Columbia streets on Sept. 7.
• Outcome: He was taken to hospital and died on Sept. 11.
• Police assessment: No foul play is suspected, and there is no criminal investigation.
• Identification efforts: DNA, missing person reports and police databases have not led to an identification.

Police released this description of the man:

• Appeared to be white, between 45 and 60 years old
• Weighed 180 pounds (about 82 kilograms)
• Had short grey/brown hair and brown eyes
• Had dentures
• Had an anchor tattoo on his upper left arm

VPD investigators said they are releasing a picture of the tattoo in the hope that someone recognizes it.

What happens next

Anyone with information about the man's identity is asked to contact the VPD's Missing Person Unit at 604-717-2530 or email missing.vpd@vpd.ca.