Search for a missing person 16 years after he went missing

It’s been over 16 years since Russell Hoffert a aboriginal male was last seen in North Bay. 

City police are highlighting a number of historic missing persons or homicide cases this year. 

Hoffert was a voluntary patient at the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital and walked away in poor winter-like weather on April 7th, 2000. 

Police say he was 34 at the time and was not dressed for the conditions. 

Police say the temperature was minus 10 that day with a minus 20 degree windchill with blowing and drifting snow.

Corporate Communications Coordinator Marie Lugli outlined their search response at the time which included support from the North Bay Police Emergency Response Team, the OPP’s Canine Unit and Helicopter and more including 4 wheelers from the Anishnabek Police.

Lugli says this is a missing person case and foul play has been ruled out.

His description at the time included him being 34, 5-5, weighing 183 pounds, a slender build, brown eyes, curly black hair,and a scar on his abdomen.

Police say he was wearing a blue long sleeved shirt, blue jeans and running shoes.

If you know anything you are asked to contact D/Cst. Greg McClenaghan at North Bay Police.