EMO, ONTARIO — The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have confirmed that a body recovered from the Rainy River near the Town of Emo has been identified as a U.S. citizen reported missing since late December 2024.
On January 11, 2025, the Rainy River District Detachment of the OPP was contacted by the International Falls Police Department for assistance in a missing person investigation. U.S. authorities believed the individual had attempted to cross into Canada outside of an official Port of Entry.
On April 16, 2025, a body was located in the Rainy River. Following a coordinated investigation, the individual has been positively identified as 59-year-old Michael Tjosaas, a citizen of the United States.
Investigation Concludes: No Foul Play Suspected
The investigation was conducted by the Fort Frances OPP, working closely with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Additional support was provided by the OPP Fort Frances Crime Unit, the OPP Forensic Identification Service, and the International Falls Police Department.
Authorities have determined that the cause of death is consistent with drowning. Foul play is not suspected.
The OPP extends its thanks to all agencies involved in the thorough investigation.
