Toronto police say a 78-year-old man who entered the Humber River in an inflatable kayak eight days ago hasn’t been seen since and investigators are concerned for his safety.
At a news conference on Friday, Duty. Insp. Scott Shutt said the man, identified only by his first name, David, entered the river near South Kingsway and The Queensway at approximately 10 a.m. on Sept. 10.
Shutt explained that police weren’t aware that David was missing until Sept. 15, when they attended his address—where he lives alone—after they received a report for the smell of fire.
A vehicle registered to David was later found abandoned near the site where he entered the river.
The Toronto Police’s Marine Unit, as well as Peel Police’s Marine Unit, is engaged in the search. Drones have also been deployed to the search area.
Shutt could not speak to David’s experience as a kayaker. The kayak has not been recovered, he added.
He’s described as five-foot-eight inches tall, with black and grey hair, and a thin chinstrap beard. David was last seen wearing a red shirt, black and red vest, black pants, and black shoes.
“Anyone with any information, again, please call us at 33 Division or at 416-808-2200,” he said.
