Two Missing Men in Thunder Bay: Families in Mourning

The family of a man reported missing in Thunder Bay, Ont., earlier this month says they’re heartbroken after the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) confirmed he is “no longer the subject of a missing persons investigation.”

Kelsey Anderson was last seen in the Thunder Centre shopping area on May 9. His family mentioned to the media that it was unusual for him to go without contact, and they had grown more worried about his safety.

“This is now a private family matter,” the TBPS said in a news release Monday evening. “No further information will be released at this time.”

Anderson grew up in Kasabonika Lake First Nation and was part of Webequie First Nation, a remote Ojibway community located about 550 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. He also had connections to Nibinamik First Nation. His family shared that he turned 36 after being reported missing.

Kelsey Anderson was last seen in the Thunder Centre shopping area on May 9. (Thunder Bay Police Service)

“The TBPS acknowledges the involvement of emergency service partners in extensive search efforts. TBPS thanks search teams and members of the community for providing information and assistance to aid in the search efforts,” according to the police release.

Members from several First Nations across northwestern Ontario and Manitoba traveled to Thunder Bay to help the family with search efforts, alongside Guardian Migizi Security, an Indigenous-led group that supports First Nations during emergencies.

Titus Semple, a spokesperson for Anderson’s family, posted a statement on Facebook on Monday night.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Kelsey Anderson has been located,” Semple wrote. “The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all of the organizations, agencies, volunteers, and individuals who assisted in the search efforts for Kelsey. Your support, compassion, and dedication during this difficult time will never be forgotten.

“At this time, the family respectfully asks for privacy as they grieve and spend time together.”

Two Different Investigations Near Thunder Centre

A significant police presence was noted Thursday around Thunder Centre near the Neebing-Mc Intyre Floodway where saw multiple police cruisers, a fire truck, and the service’s missing persons coordinator at a secured scene by the water.

The TBPS stated officers were sent to that area around 4:30 p. m. responding “to a call for service.”

Thunder Bay police, including the force’s missing persons co-ordinator, are seen at a scene taped off by police near the Neebing-Mc Intyre Floodway on Thursday. (Sarah Law/CBC)

The following day, Friday, TBPS announced they were looking into human remains found within Thunder Centre area related to an investigation involving a deceased person.

However, TBPS clarified that their presence Thursday pertained to another separate investigation than Friday’s event.

Meanwhile, Richard Graham’s family-a 42-year-old who went missing in Thunder Bay during summer 2024-shared on Facebook over the weekend that they believe he has been found and are mourning his loss.

Richard Graham, 42, was last seen in Thunder Bay on July 30, 2024. (Submitted by Rylie Isaacs)

“It was not the outcome we wanted but expected. I want to thank everyone that searched for him or supported us throughout our one-and-a-half year quest for answers via our Facebook page,” Graham’s father Dwayne Poster wrote.

Lorraine Whitehead, chief of Webequie First Nation posted on Facebook over weekend saying someone from her community who had been searching for Anderson discovered someone believed to be Graham. She extended her condolences towards Graham’s family.

An area by the Neebing-Mc Intyre Floodway in Thunder Bay is seen taped off by police on Thursday. (Sarah Law/CBC)

The reached out to TBPS Monday morning seeking clarification regarding their presence at Thunder Centre both Thursday and Friday while asking if either Anderson or Graham had been found deceased.

“No information regarding the deceased individual can be released until their identity has been confirmed,” stated TBPS in their news release Monday afternoon.

The TBPS has not provided any updates concerning Graham’s case at this point.

If you or anyone you know is impacted by issues surrounding missing or murdered Indigenous people there is support available. You can reach immediate emotional assistance or crisis support through a national hotline available 24/7 at 1-844-413-6649.

Local resources include:

If you or someone you know is struggling here are some places where help can be found:

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