WARNING: The photo below is graphic

The Alberta Medical Examiner is hoping a track record of past successes will help in their plea for the public’s help in identifying a man found dead in Calgary in April.

The man, found April 3 at the Sun Life Plaza 112 – 4th Avenue SW in Calgary, was wearing an aqua-blue coat, grey hoodie, beige sweater, a white t-shirt, blue jeans and white sport shoes. Investigators believe he was homeless.

Alberta chief medical examiner Dr. Anny Sauvageau said it’s very rare for the province to resort to public assistance to identify a body, but have had success when they have come forward with public pleas.

“We are hoping someone might recognize this individual,” said Sauvageau. “This is extremely rare. The last time we asked for the public’s assistance was in 2009. It is very rare that we have to do that. When we do so it is because it is the last resort.”

In 2007, Douglas Porter was identified after media coverage led the province to his dental records. Porter was found in August on the bank of the Bow River, near Calgary’s Zoo Island. Despite this success, the province hasn’t been able to contact his family.

The province hopes to bring closure to the most recent John Doe’s family once he is identified.

Anyone with information is asked to call the medical examiner office in Calgary at 403-297-8123.

Identifying features

• John Doe was believed to be 6’1 and 128 pounds
• He had brown eyes and brown hair
• He had no visible tattoos