Police are appealing for information to help identify the person whose limb was found along the British Columbia shoreline. The foot was found attached to a shoe – a size 9.5 men’s grey Nike Free RN trainer with a black Nike swoosh logo – with the limb still intact. Based on DNA samples and bone structure, coroners believe the foot belonged to a man who was under 50 when he died.
However, authorities were unable to match his DNA profile with any missing person.
Andy Watson, a BCCS spokesperson said: “Typically, our process would be that we would work with any of the available information that we would find at a scene to help determine the identity, but, in this case, we’ve exhausted those options.
“So, now we’re turning to the public, in hopes that we can get some information to help create a match and determine the identification.
The footwear appeared to be in relatively new condition and was manufactured between February 1 and April 17, 2017, the coroners office said.
Officials say there is no cause for concern or any murder suspects at large.
Mr Watson said: “We don’t see any indication that there is any suspicion of foul play.
“Sometimes they are natural deaths, or suicides, or accidental deaths (like a fall).”
Pictures of the shoe were first released by the British Columbia Coroners Service (BCCS) after authorities found the item at Vancouver’s 30th Street in September.
Authorities say feet are the most common body part to be found, as the shoe protects them from decomposing or being eaten by marine creatures.
This is the 15th human foot found on British Columbia shorelines since August 2007.
Ten of the feet have been identified belonging seven people who died by suicide or accident, while the origins of the other three remain unknown.
Several theories on the missing feet have emerged, such as organised crime murders, remnants from those who died in the 2004 Pacific Ocean tsunami, or a serial killer dismembering his victims.
However, Mr Watson said feet wash are often found because they are easily dismembered from bodies and float due to the shoe’s lightweight foam soles.