In the summer of 1987, a family was forever changed by the disappearance of Samuel LaChance. A man from the Big River area in Saskatchewan, he was known to travel often between his home and the city of Prince Albert. On July 29, 1987, Samuel, who was born on February 7, 1936, was last seen in Prince Albert. Accounts of his last known location vary slightly; some reports state he was seen in a local beverage room, while others indicate he was seen leaving a residence in the West Hill area.
At the time he went missing, he was described as being 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. What he was wearing on that day remains unknown, one of the many unanswered questions in a case that has spanned decades.
For years, the search for answers has continued, led by the Prince Albert Police Service. The case of Samuel LaChance has not been forgotten, becoming an active and historical investigation. Police have repeatedly appealed to the public for any information that might shed light on what happened to him. The emotional toll on his family has been immense. In a heart-wrenching statement released through the police, LaChance's daughter expressed the family's deep desire for closure, stating, 'I know somebody knows something and I wish they would tell us; they do not have to give their name. We just want peace of mind and to give our Father a proper burial. We think of him often'. This plea underscores the profound and lasting pain experienced by those left behind in the ambiguous space of a missing person case.
Decades after he was last seen, the investigation into Samuel LaChance's disappearance remains active. The Prince Albert Police Service's Historical Crimes Unit continues to work on the case, renewing requests for public assistance and pursuing any new information. In a significant development, new investigative leads emerged that led search teams to a specific area on the Big River First Nation. This renewed search involved specialized RCMP units and brought a fresh sense of hope, however faint, that answers might finally be found. The case is a somber reminder of a life interrupted and a family left waiting. The ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the persistent hope of his loved ones illustrate a commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how much time has passed since Samuel LaChance was last seen.Last Seen: Jul 29, 1987
