CONSTANCE LAKE FIRST NATION - It's been one year since Dean Mattinas Jr. was last seen.
On the morning of March 18, 2024, the then-27-year-old was seen around 9:30 a.m. walking near the bushline on Highway 11 about six kilometres west of Constance Lake.
James Bay OPP marked the first anniversary of his disappearance by renewing their call for people with information on the case to come forward.
It's believed that Mattinas was hitchhiking to Thunder Bay that morning.
"Despite an extensive year-long investigation, Dean's whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unknown," said police in a news release.
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He is described as an Indigenous male who with 5' 10" tall with an athletic build, black hair, brown eyes, thin moustache and slight sideburns. He was last seen wearing a camouflage or beige jacket, blue jeans, and brown boots. He also may have had a black Under Armour brand tote bag and/or a brown backpack.
The ongoing investigation is being led by the OPP criminal investigation bureau, with help from the James Bay OPP crime unit and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.
A $50,000 reward is available for anyone with information that leads to locating Mattinas Jr. Anyone with information should contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
