UPDATE, Aug. 22 — Authorities in Amsterdam have announced that, following collaboration with Canadian law enforcement, they have “definitively confirmed that Lucky and Mr. Kenny are not the same individual.” New tips have also emerged, leading to an investigation into at least nine potential identities for Lucky.
Is it possible that a mysterious man who collapsed on the streets of Amsterdam three years ago could actually be a Canadian who has been missing for over thirty years?
Law enforcement agencies on both sides of the ocean are exploring this intriguing possibility.
The individual, referred to by the Amsterdam police as “Lucky,” collapsed on May 10, 2023, following what medical professionals suspect was either a stroke or a brain hemorrhage.
As a result of his medical incident, he developed aphasia, a language impairment that affects a person’s ability to communicate verbally and in writing, as well as their comprehension skills.
According to Amsterdam police, he was found without any identification or passport, went by several aliases, and left virtually no official records or digital traces.
“We know where he resided, for instance,” stated Amsterdam police spokesperson Marijke Stor.
“However, we also discovered that he paid his rent in cash. Almost all of his transactions were done in cash. We couldn’t locate a bank account registered in his name.”
With leads dwindling, the case was handed over to a cold case unit, which recently released a video appeal that generated a surge of tips, several of which suggested a connection to Canada.
John Russell Kenny
It turns out that Lucky bears a remarkable similarity to John Russell Kenny, who disappeared from Vancouver over 30 years ago.
A missing persons report from the Vancouver police indicates that Kenny, who would now be 67, faced mental health challenges and led a transient lifestyle. His family last heard from him in 1993.
As per the RCMP, Kenny hailed from Ontario and was known to travel by train.
Stor mentioned that there are indicators that may connect the two men.
“We’ve spoken with numerous individuals who knew him when he was still well, and they all tell us that he consistently spoke English, often with an accent they described as sounding American or Canadian,” Stor explained.
He also had several other nicknames, including “Chris the Canadian,” Louis, Lee, Ponytail, Sonny, and John.
John Russell Kenny was reported missing from Vancouver more than 30 years ago. (Vancouver Police Department)
The Vancouver police confirmed their “active collaboration” with Dutch authorities and Interpol to ascertain whether Lucky is indeed Kenny.
“The investigation is still ongoing, and we will provide an update as soon as a positive identification is made,” VPD stated in an email.
Stor noted that because this investigation is not criminal in nature, police have limitations regarding DNA testing, although it could be conducted if a family member steps forward.
She also warned that it is “far too early” to conclude that Lucky is Kenny based solely on photographs, adding that investigators currently have six strong leads.
“Lucky cannot simultaneously be six different individuals,” she emphasized. “We want to avoid giving families false hope.”
Lucky is currently living in an Amsterdam care facility where he lacks the ability to communicate. (Netherlands National Police Corps)
According to Dutch authorities, Lucky is residing in a care facility in Amsterdam.
He can articulate a few English words, such as “nonsense” and “definitely,” but professionals working with him report that he is unable to make decisions independently, as indicated by police.
Prior to his collapse, authorities mention he was involved with a Buddhist community in Amsterdam and may have connections to Nepal.
In Amsterdam, he frequented the shops and market stalls at Waterlooplein, along with a restaurant named Soupenzo.
A pair of retired detectives from the Dutch police are now spearheading the efforts to identify him.
“He is alone, and it’s a tragic situation,” Stor remarked.
“They are hopeful that there may be family members who wish to connect with him, so we can perhaps brighten his days a little.”