The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) have identified human remains recovered Mar. 5 as Derek Gibbs, a Port Colborne man who was reported missing in Dec.

The remains were located in the Welland Canal in the area of Highway 140 in Welland, according to NRPS.

Gibbs was 31 years old and a father to three.

His family has thanked those who have supported them on social media on a Facebook page dedicated to Gibbs that has garnered over one thousand members.

“Your support has been a remarkable testament to how many people loved Derek as a friend or family member,” they said.

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