NCA CASE 06-024903 / NORTH WALES POLICE
The skeletal remains of a man believed to have been a vagrant were found on a hillside c. 500 yards from the A5 at Capel Curig on September 16th 1975. The man was white, of medium build, and had blonde curly hair and a full beard. He stood 6' (183cm) tall and was estimated to be between 45 and 60 years old. He had likely died some six to nine months previously.
Pathologist Dr. D. M. Wayte concluded the man would have had a strong build, and had likely died of natural illness or exposure.
The man was dressed for cold weather; for example he was wearing two pairs of socks - a dark pair covered by white nylon 3/4 length socks - with sacking material then wrapped around his feet. He had a pair of casual grey checked trousers beneath another pair of blue casual trousers, plus a brown nylon leisure shirt, a blue cotton leisure shirt, a brown v-neck jumper, and a brown sports coat. The clothing was of poor quality.
The Weekly News for September 18th reported:
Skeleton Mystery
The skeleton of a man believed to have been between 45 and 55 years old, was found on Tuesday in a remote spot near Capel Curig. It was discovered on rough ground on a hillside 400 yards from the Ogwen Valley stretch of the A5. Police said yesterday that the identity of the body was not yet known and enquiries were proceeding. It had apparently been at the spot between six and nine months.
On Thursday 25th September 1975 the Weekly News followed up with:
Skeleton Appeal
An appeal for Information which might help to find out the identity of a man whose skeleton was found near Capel Curig nine days ago was put out by North Wales Police yesterday after their inquiries had so far been unsuccessful. The skeleton, which was discovered on a hillside 500 yards off the A5 road on the Ogwen Valley side of Capel Curig, was of a man believed to be between 45 and 55 years old. Apparently it had lain at the spot for between six and nine months.
The police now consider that the man might have been from 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 1 inch tall, with long blond hair and a fair to gingerish beard, thin-featured and heavily built. From his clothing it was thought that he might be a vagrant. A spokesman appealed to anybody who could remember seeing a man of this description in the Capel Curig area some months ago to get in touch with North Wales Police headquarters (Tel. Colwyn Bay 57171), or with the nearest police station.
Finally, the Weekly News covered the inquest on the unknown man on December 11th 1975:
Open Verdict On Skeleton
An open verdict was recorded by the Coroner for Eryri, Mr. J. Pritchard Jones, at Tuesday's inquest in Llandudno on human remains found on September 16 in Capel Curig. The Inquest heard that the skeleton remains were discovered by Mr. Owen Wynne Owen, of Heulfryn, Capel Curig, who had been on the mountain walking his dog.
Mr. Owen said he had been out about 20 minutes when he noticed the remains lying in rushes. He said the body was partly clothed and was about 300 yards from the road. Mr. Owen said it was a part of land he did not visit very often. Evidence was also given by Pc D. P. Roberts, who said he had made extensive enquiries in the area, and throughout the country to identify the person. Appeals had also been made through the media he said, but all had proved negative.
Dr. D. M. Wayte, area pathologist, told the court the body was dressed in three sweaters, two pairs of trousers, and two pairs of odd socks. Dr. Wayte said the remains were that of a man aged about 50 with curly blond hair and eyebrows, and possibly a curly ginger beard. He estimated the man's height to be approximately six feet and of strong build.
He said he had probably been there between six and nine months. He was probably a tramp who may have been taken ill or have suffered from exposure, said Dr. Wayte. The Coroner said he would record an open verdict.
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