The Dutch Police can use help identifying this man. Cold Case teams are scanning old files. His DNA and fingerprints have been uploaded in various databases but so far, no match.
On May 10, 2023, this man “collapsed on the street after suffering a suspected brain hemorrhage or stroke.” As a result of this brain injury, he has aphasie. He is currently treated in a care home in Amsterdam.
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the ability to speak and understand what other people say. You may have trouble reading or writing. Aphasia can strike suddenly after a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
None of the websites about this case make it clear if the man can write or has given any indication on paper that could lead to his identity.
Police found out where he lives however as he always paid his rent in cash, there is no paper trail. I assume all ATM machines and CCTV videos are being scanned for this man’s image.
When he was found, he carried no ID or papers on his person. Was he robbed after collapsing and before he was found?
Canvassing areas where this man has been spotted resulted in a string of names people gave him. The man is a member of a Buddhist community in the eastern part of Amsterdam. They know him as “Lucky.” He was seen in Cafe Soep En Zo on Waterloo Plein. There he is known as “Chris the Canadian.” The names Lee, Louis and Sonny have been mentioned too. I wonder if he had cosmetic surgery or if he has any tattoos.
If you watch the clip (scroll down here to the bottom of the website) you can see some of his belongings. Among them, a framed picture of the Golden Gate Bridge. I’d take the picture out of the frame to see if there’s anything on the back.
If he speaks, it is in English. The only two words he says are “nonsense” and “definitely” which he uses as yes or no. According to police, he sounds American or Canadian.
Aside from wanting to give this man back his name and potentially get him home, police wonder how it possible that he does not seem to have a paper trail. People in the clip mention he has been in the Netherlands for roughly twenty years but give no explanation for that number. It is remarkable though to live that long under the radar.
If you have any information about this man please check this link which leads to the Dutch Police website.
Note: this is not a criminal case but a humanitarian one where police want to help to give this man back his name and his life. Do you recognize him?