UPDATE 2 - MISSING PERSON - NRPS in Port Colborne are searching for a missing 31-year-old man

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at approximately 11:40 a.m, uniform members of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) assigned to 3 District (Welland/Pelham) responded to an unidentified human remains call for service located in the Welland Canal in the area of Highway 140 in the City of Welland.

The unidentified human remains were recovered. Detectives with 3 District Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have taken carriage of the investigation. In addition, the Office of the Chief Coroner was notified and detectives with the NRPS Forensic Services Unit (FSU) attended to support the investigation.

The deceased male has been positively identified as Derek Gibbs who was reported missing on December 17, 2024, in the City of Port Colborne.

The Niagara Regional Police Service would like to thank members of the public who contacted detectives to assist with this investigation.

The investigation remains on-going and detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them by calling (905) 688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009167.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

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UPDATE 1 - January 9, 2025

Residents in the area of Elm Street, Main Street and Clarance Street, along with the area of King Street and properties adjacent to the west side of the Welland Canal are asked to check their properties, outbuildings, garages, and unused vehicles that may be stored for winter, for any sign of Derek. There will be an increased police presence in that area as officers continue their ground and waterway search to locate Derek.

The police and Derek’s family are concerned for his welfare. Anyone in the community who may have information as to his location are asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009487.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Photos removed.

ORIGINAL RELEASE - December 19, 2024

Detectives from the 6 District (Port Colborne/Wainfleet) office of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) are searching for missing person Derek Gibbs (31 years) of Port Colborne.

Derek was reported missing to the NRPS on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, by family members.

Derek was last seen on Monday, December 16, 2024, in the city of Port Colborne.

Derek is described as:

- White male

- 5’10 feet tall

- Approximately 160 lbs

- 31 years of age

Derek was last seen wearing the following:

- Budweiser toque

- Dark camouflage puffy coat

- Green hoodie

- Dark pants

- Running shoes

- Carrying a red gym bag

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