Joseph Aldonia Chiasson

• Joseph Aldonia Chiasson, a 73-year-old man from Shippagan, New Brunswick, vanished without a trace on August 10, 2022, sparking one of the most enduring missing person investigations in the Acadian Peninsula region. Despite extensive search efforts by the Lamèque RCMP, ground search and rescue teams, and community volunteers, Chiasson's whereabouts remain unknown after more than three years.

• Joseph Aldonia Chiasson was a 73-year-old resident of Shippagan, New Brunswick, standing approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. He had brown eyes, short grey hair, and wore a distinctive mustache. Chiasson required prescription eyeglasses and had a distinctive tattoo featuring a heart with an arrow on his left forearm, which serves as a key identifying feature.

• Critically important to this case is Chiasson's medical condition, which police have described as one that “could make him appear disoriented and behave unpredictably”. While specific details about his condition have not been publicly disclosed by authorities, this medical information suggests he may have been suffering from cognitive impairment, possibly dementia or Alzheimer's disease, conditions that significantly increase the risk of wandering and becoming lost.

• On August 10, 2022, Joseph Aldonia Chiasson was last seen on JD Gauthier Boulevard in Shippagan, New Brunswick. This major thoroughfare runs through the heart of Shippagan and houses numerous businesses, including restaurants, financial institutions, and retail establishments.

• The disappearance was not reported to police until August 17, 2022—a full seven days after Chiasson was last seen. This delay is significant in missing person cases, particularly for elderly individuals with cognitive conditions, as research indicates that “if an older person is gone for more than 24 hours, it's about a 50/50 chance that they're going to be at significant harm to their life”.

• During the investigation, police received information suggesting that Chiasson might have been seen in Lamèque on August 12, 2022, two days after his initial disappearance. However, this sighting was never confirmed, and no additional evidence emerged to support this lead.

• The Lamèque RCMP launched an immediate investigation upon receiving the missing person report. Police have “followed up on several leads to try and locate the man, but have so far been unsuccessful”. The investigation has involved multiple divisions and specialized units within the RCMP.

• On September 14, 2022, the RCMP issued their first public appeal for information, releasing Chiasson's description and asking anyone with information to contact the Lamèque RCMP at 506-344-2006. The case has remained active, with police continuing to issue updates and appeals for information.

• The case has garnered attention from various missing person advocacy groups, including appearances on social media platforms and missing person databases. The case was featured on the “Someone Saw Something” platform, which helps amplify missing person cases across Canada.

• Shippagan is located on the Acadian Peninsula in northeastern New Brunswick, a remote coastal region characterized by islands, wetlands, and challenging terrain. The area consists of three main islands—Taylor, Lamèque, and Miscou—connected by causeways and bridges.

• The geographic characteristics of the region present unique challenges for missing person searches. The area features extensive wetlands, tidal areas, and dense coastal vegetation. The harsh Atlantic climate, particularly during winter months, adds additional complexity to search operations.

• The region has a relatively sparse population, with Shippagan having approximately 2,672 residents as of 2021. The rural nature of the area means there are fewer potential witnesses and surveillance cameras compared to urban environments.

• The Acadian Peninsula has experienced other missing person cases involving elderly individuals. In 2024, a 54-year-old woman named Guylaine Dugas disappeared from Shippagan under similar circumstances, leading to extensive search operations involving police dogs, aircraft, and ground search and rescue teams. Her case tragically ended with the discovery of human remains in a wooded area, though no criminality was suspected.

• Research indicates that missing persons cases involving seniors are increasing across Canada, with approximately 50,000 to 60,000 people with dementia reported missing annually from a database of 1.6 million Canadians. Studies show that “approximately 60 per cent of people with cognitive impairments wander” , and about 40% of people with dementia will wander or get lost at least once.

• Given Chiasson's age, medical condition, and the circumstances of his disappearance, the most likely scenario involves critical wandering—a behavior where individuals with cognitive impairment become disoriented and unable to find their way home. This hypothesis is supported by several factors:
• Medical Condition: His documented condition that causes disorientation and unpredictable behavior aligns with symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• Age Demographics: At 73, Chiasson falls within the age group most susceptible to cognitive decline
• Initial Location: JD Gauthier Boulevard is a main thoroughfare where someone could easily become confused about direction
• Time of Year: The August disappearance occurred during warmer weather when wandering is more survivable initially

• The possible sighting in Lamèque on August 12 suggests Chiasson may have traveled approximately 15-20 kilometers from his last known location. This could indicate:
• Vehicular Movement: He may have accepted a ride or used transportation, either voluntarily or in a confused state
• Systematic Search Pattern: He might have been following familiar routes or locations from his past
• Assistance from Others: Someone may have helped him, either knowingly or unknowingly

Environmental Hazard Theory

• The coastal and wetland environment of the Acadian Peninsula presents numerous natural hazards:
• Water-Related Incidents: The extensive waterways, including bays, harbors, and tidal areas, pose drowning risks
• Weather Exposure: Even in August, nighttime temperatures can be dangerous for an elderly person
• Terrain Challenges: Wetlands, dense vegetation, and uneven terrain could lead to falls or becoming trapped

• Chiasson's medical condition could have precipitated a sudden medical emergency:
• Acute Confusion: A sudden worsening of his cognitive condition
• Physical Health Crisis: Stroke, heart attack, or other medical emergency while wandering
• Medication Issues: Possible medication non-compliance or adverse reactions

• The seven-day delay between disappearance and reporting significantly impacted the investigation:
• Evidence Degradation: Physical evidence, scent trails, and witness memories deteriorate over time
• Search Window: The critical first 24-48 hours for finding missing persons with cognitive impairment was lost
• Weather Impact: August weather patterns could have affected any outdoor evidence

• The rural nature of the Acadian Peninsula means limited surveillance camera coverage compared to urban areas, reducing the ability to track Chiasson's movements after his disappearance.

• August is peak tourism season in the region, meaning increased transient population that may have witnessed something but left the area before the missing person report was filed.

• The case has maintained visibility through social media platforms and missing person advocacy websites. The distinctive tattoo description has been repeatedly circulated in hopes of generating leads.

• Local community members and volunteers have assisted in search efforts, though specific details of community involvement have not been extensively documented in available sources.

• The Chiasson case shares similarities with other missing person cases in Atlantic Canada, particularly those involving elderly individuals with cognitive conditions. The challenging terrain, weather conditions, and rural setting create consistent patterns across the region.

• Chiasson's case reflects broader national trends in missing persons involving seniors. According to RCMP data, dementia and mental health conditions are among the top reasons cited for disappearances of people aged 60 and over.

• As of the most recent available information from 2023, the case remains an active investigation with the Lamèque RCMP. Police continue to follow up on any new leads or information from the public.

• While specific details about family statements or interviews are limited in available sources, police have indicated that both law enforcement and family members remain concerned for Chiasson's wellbeing.

• Modern missing person investigations utilize various technological resources, including:
• Database Integration: Cases are entered into national missing person databases
• Specialized Search Teams: Ground search and rescue operations with trained volunteers
• Public Alert Systems: Some jurisdictions use silver alert systems for missing seniors

• Based on similar cases and expert analysis, several search strategies could prove valuable:
• Expanded Water Searches: Given the coastal environment, underwater recovery teams and marine searches
• Historical Location Analysis: Searching areas with personal significance to Chiasson
• Seasonal Considerations: Renewed searches during similar weather conditions
• Technology Integration: Use of thermal imaging and drone technology in difficult terrain

• This case highlights the importance of:
• Early Reporting: Encouraging immediate reporting of missing seniors with cognitive conditions
• Medical Alert Systems: GPS tracking devices and medical alert bracelets for at-risk individuals
• Community Education: Training community members to recognize and assist disoriented elderly individuals

• The disappearance of Joseph Aldonia Chiasson represents a complex missing person case complicated by medical factors, challenging geography, and investigative delays. After more than three years, his fate remains unknown despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, search teams, and the community.
• The most probable scenario involves critical wandering related to his medical condition, possibly complicated by environmental hazards inherent to the Acadian Peninsula's coastal terrain. The case underscores the vulnerability of seniors with cognitive impairments and the critical importance of immediate response in missing person situations.
• While leads have been exhausted and traditional search methods have proven unsuccessful, the case remains active, and hope persists that new information or technological advances may eventually provide answers for Chiasson's family and the community. His distinctive heart and arrow tattoo remains the most identifying feature that could lead to resolution of this enduring mystery.
• The investigation continues to serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by rural communities in missing person cases and the ongoing need for improved support systems for vulnerable elderly individuals with cognitive conditions.