Closure for a Winnipeg family after 26 years.  

In July 0f 1995, a man was struck by a train on the west edge of Regina. Authorities had no way to identify him, and he was a John Doe for 26 years. Then, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, through the services of a company called Ortham, was able to solve the identity of the man. 

Using genealogic DNA research, the American-based firm was able to determine the identity of the man: Michael Kirov, from Winnipeg. 

"Over the past 26 years, the Coroners Service in conjunction with the Regina Police Service exhausted all avenues to find the identity of this unknown man," said Chief Coroner Clive Weighill.  "With persistent investigation and new technologies, we can now provide closure for his family." 

In a statement released from the Kirov family, they expressed their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone involved in the case, and pray those involved can find peace and closure.  

"Dates on a calendar change, but our determination does not," Regina Police Service Chief Evan Bray said.  "For years, the Regina Police Service and Saskatchewan Coroners Service have worked collaboratively to learn this young man’s identity and bring him 'home' to his family.  We would not be here today without a combination of skill, direction, persistence and hope.  And hope is a message to all families seeking answers: we won’t give up."