Call to identify nameless man

Gardaí have issued a renewed public appeal for help in identifying a nameless man who spent over 30 years in psychiatric care in Cork.

In all his years under the care of staff at the hospital, the man was unable to share enough information to formally identify him or any family he may have had.

Leading the investigation into the man’s identity is Sergeant Aoife Corcoran who explained that when she spoke with the staff at the hospital on the night of the man’s death, they confirmed he spoke with a “neutral accent” that was “not identifiable”.

Investigations to date have included taking DNA samples, with Interpol following up on leads in Chicago and Wales. A match to date has not been identified and the investigation has exhausted all lines of enquiry.

During his time in the care of the HSE, the man was given a name and estimated year of birth as 1930. This would have put this man at approximately 91 when he passed away. On this basis, he would be approximately 96 today. He is described as being 178cm (5 10”) in height and weighing 70kgs with blue eyes and sallow skin.

Gardaí are asking anyone who believe they can help identify the man to come forward with any info they may have. If anyone is aware of a family member that went missing to the 1980s that fits the man’s description, they should get in touch with gardaí. While the photos were taken shortly before his death, gardaí hope the public may recognize him as a much younger man from prior to 1986.