DNA Doe Project and Ontario Provincial Police identify John Doe found in 1980
After 45 years, Algonquin Park John Doe is identified as Eric “Ricky” Singer
Ontario, Canada – The long-standing mystery surrounding the identity of Algonquin Park John Doe 1980 has finally been resolved. Thanks to the efforts of DNA Doe Project’s volunteer investigative genetic genealogists in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and forensic experts, he has been identified as Eric “Ricky” Singer of Cleveland, Ohio.
Eric “Ricky” Singer
Discovered on April 19, 1980 in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Singer’s skeletonized remains would puzzle investigators for over four decades. Despite extensive efforts to identify him, no leads were found using traditional investigative techniques.
The DNA Doe Project, a non-profit organization specializing in the use of investigative genetic genealogy to identify unidentified remains, took up the case in 2023. A team of volunteers working pro bono was able to carefully analyze DNA relative matches to John Doe’s genetic profile to find the branch of his family tree where they identified Eric Singer. After waiting 43 years as a John Doe, Singer was identified in 24 hours using these techniques.
“We are thrilled to announce the positive identification of Algonquin Park John Doe 1980 as Eric Singer,” said C. Lauritsen, DNA Doe Project team leader on the case. “We continue to be thankful to all the people who upload their DNA to GEDmatch.com and FamilyTreeDNA.com who enable us to find missing loved ones. Thanks to them, there are answers to questions which have been outstanding for decades.”
The DNA Doe Project is grateful to the groups and individuals who helped solve this case: the Ontario Provincial Police, who entrusted the case to the DNA Doe Project; Astrea Forensics for whole genome sequencing from existing extract; Kevin Lord for bioinformatics; GEDmatch Pro and FTDNA for providing their databases; and DDP’s dedicated teams of volunteer investigative genetic genealogists who work tirelessly to bring all our Jane and John Does home.
Description:
On April 19, 1980, skeletonized remains of a white man were found at a campsite on Hardwood Lookout Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. Authorities believe he died between July, 1971 and Spring 1978. He wore size 11 boots, Levi brand jeans, a thick black knit sweater and a khaki green, military style jacket. His wallet contained stamps and fragments of a $20 bill, but no identification.
In the area, investigators also found a folding camp stove with an aluminum camper’s pot and a black, down-filled sleeping bag.
Date Body Found:
April 19, 1980
Race:
White/Caucasian
Sex:
Male
Estimated Age:
18-29
Estimated PMI:
2-9 years
Agency of Jurisdiction:
Ontario Provincial Police
Sgt Charles Doran
613-432-3211Charles.doran@opp.ca
More Information:
https://www.opp.ca/news/#/viewnews/68b991f45a758
https://www.services.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/missing-disparus/case-dossier.jsf?case=2005002199
Status:
Identified
Image Credit:
Canada’s Missing website.
Last Updated: September 5, 2025
