Mystery lifeless man in reservoir given face utilizing King Richard III tech as cops hunt identification
Experts at Liverpool John Moores University have created a digital reconstruction of a man who was found dead in a remote Welsh reservoir in October 2024. Police are hunting for answers
He was found dead at Claerwen reservoir in October 2024(Image: Google Maps)
Specialists at Liverpool John Moores University have collaborated with police to assist in identifying a man discovered deceased in a remote reservoir over a year ago.
Dyfed-Powys Police has issued a digital reconstruction of the individual, whose remains were discovered by a walker at Claerwen Reservoir, Powys, on October 17, 2024. The man’s identity continues to baffle officers as they persist with their enquiries to establish who he was.
Police are hopeful that cutting-edge technology will eventually provide the crucial breakthrough. It’s thought he had been submerged for as long as 12 weeks prior to discovery, and apart from the wetsuit he wore, no additional clothing, accessories or vehicles were located nearby, whilst he bore no distinctive features such as scars or tattoos.
Detective Inspector Anthea Ponting, leading the investigation, said: “In the absence of any personal belongings other than the wetsuit he was wearing, no identification documents or vehicles nearby, we began by working with neighbouring police forces to conduct checks for missing or wanted people who had not been traced.
“When this was unsuccessful, we extended our enquiries to contact all UK forces, ran searches through the Police National Database, and issued bulletins to police overseas through Interpol. We have also searched DNA, fingerprint and dental records for potential matches, and issued public and media appeals for information.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Thorough examinations have shown he was aged between 30 and 60, approximately 6ft (1.83m) tall, weighing between 202lbs and 220lbs (91.5kg – 99.5kg), and of white European ancestry.
With the puzzle remaining unsolved at present, Dyfed-Powys Police has collaborated with Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University to create an image of what they believe the man appeared like in hopes it will ultimately result in a positive identification.
Face Lab utilised photographs, a post-mortem report, forensic dental report and a CT scan of the deceased man to generate the picture. The image has also been circulated via the Police National Computer and Interpol for potential matches.
DI Ponting said: “Until now, the only item available to progress our investigation was the wetsuit the man was wearing, which provided us with limited information around his height and weight.
“I urge anyone who thinks they might recognise him to come forward. This is someone’s family member – someone’s loved one – and I would like nothing more than to return him to his loved ones who might be missing him.”
Director of Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University, Professor Caroline Wilkinson, added: “Face Lab works with police forces from around the world and facial depiction from human remains can act as a tool for recognition, providing new lines of investigation in relation to identity.
“Hopefully, someone who knew this man will now recognise his face and our facial depiction can support the police to finally identify him.”
Dyfed-Powys Police have appealed to anyone who visited the reservoir between July and October 18, 2024, and might be able to assist with the investigation, or was aware of someone who had not been seen for some time and matched the description above, to come forward.
You can do so using the public portal, calling 101, or emailing 101@dyfed-powys. police.
uk. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org..
