DNA Confirms Remains Belong To Man Missing Since 2024 Fishing Tragedy in Southampton
DNA testing confirms the identity of a man missing since 2024 after a fishing trip ended in tragedy at Denny's Dam on the Saugeen River.
Nearly two years after 57-year-old Lijun S. disappeared while fishing on the Saugeen River, police have confirmed that human remains found last fall belong to the missing man.
In a statement released January 13, 2026, Saugeen Shores Police said that DNA analysis conducted by the Centre of Forensic Sciences has positively identified remains located on November 15, 2025, as those of Lijun S., bringing closure to a case that had long haunted the Southampton community.
Lijun, who spoke Mandarin and was known to be an avid angler, went missing on January 27, 2024, after heading out to fish near Denny’s Dam. That day, an ice jam upstream is believed to have suddenly released, causing a four-foot surge of water through the Saugeen River.
Police say Lijun was likely swept away in the fast-moving ice flow.
Search efforts at the time involved the Saugeen Shores Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police Emergency Response Team, and the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. Despite extensive ground, water, and aerial searches, Lijun could not be found. The investigation remained open but was considered a cold case.
It wasn’t until November 2025 that human remains were discovered near a seasonal cottage on Saugeen First Nation. Forensic analysis confirmed this week that they belonged to Lijun S.
“Our thoughts are with Lijun’s family,” the Saugeen Shores Police said in their Jan. 13 update.
Following his disappearance, police and volunteer search organizations such as Please Bring Me Home urged the public to report any found fishing equipment, boots, or clothing along the Saugeen River or Lake Huron that might be linked to the case.
Lijun’s disappearance prompted conversations in the local fishing community about river safety in winter and the unpredictability of ice jam events, which can cause sudden and dangerous surges of water with little warning.
Authorities have not indicated whether any of Lijun’s belongings have since been recovered, but the confirmation of his remains offers long-awaited answers for his family and the broader community.
Anyone with additional information about the case is still encouraged to contact the Saugeen Shores Police Service at 519-832-2500.
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