Wark Forest Man

Found On: 2nd February 1990

On 02 February 1990, the body of a 20–40-year-old man was discovered in Wark Forest. He is described as being 5’6″-5’8″, of medium build, “dark European ethnicity” and is believed to have been deceased for between 4 to 12 months.

What we know

In 1990, an unidentified man's belongings included a green 'Vander' anorak, a denim 'Lee' jacket, and brown "Hi Tec" walking shoes (left Size 8, right Size 8.5). Near his body, a blue backpack contained: 2 blue nylon ropes, 2 finger badges/Elastoplast, a grey 2-cell torch, 2 plastic bottles (one with water, one with whisky), the book "History of London" by Robert Gray, and a "Camping" Swiss Army Knife. A blue/black holdall also held blue jeans, black running shorts, white Y-fronts, Vicks Sinex spray, and a Culmaster bush hat. The man is believed to be American and may be named Christopher Oliver.

In 1990, a facial reconstruction of the unidentified man was shared in local newspapers. Aileen Mckay, an employee of the Bowes Hotel, thought he resembled a former guest named Christopher Oliver who checked in on 14.10.1989. Christopher Oliver seemed to be in his late 30s with an American accent. The book near the body matched one missing from the Bowes hotel.

Not much is known about the man's movements after leaving the Bowes hotel. On 09.02.1990, the Aberdeen Press and Journal and Aberdeen Evening Express reported that the body might be that of Christopher Oliver, who was last seen in a Haltwhistle hotel on 18.10.1989. Newspaper articles also mentioned a booking under the same name at Hexham Tourist Information Centre, but the date of this booking is unspecified.

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