Amsterdam police have logged over 500 tips after a public video plea to identify a man known only as “Lucky”. The appeal follows the collapse of the unidentified individual on a street in Amsterdam on 10 May 2023.
Medical background and current condition
Medical staff determined that the man suffered a brain haemorrhage or stroke, leaving him with aphasia – a condition that impairs speech, reading, writing and comprehension. He was admitted to hospital and, after treatment, transferred to a nursing facility where he receives care. He now speaks only a few English words such as “nonsense”, “definitely” and “positive”, using them to answer yes‑no questions.
Police investigation
The case is classified as a “social investigation” rather than a criminal matter. Marijke Stor, spokesperson for the Amsterdam police, explained that the aim is to establish the man’s identity and, if possible, reconnect him with any relatives who may still care for him. “The people told us that he always spoke with what they called an American or a Canadian accent,” Stor said.
Initial inquiries were handled by the Amsterdam‑West detective unit, which explored every possible lead, including contacts the man might have had in the city. When the unit needed to refocus on criminal cases, the police’s cold‑case team assumed responsibility, assigning two former officers to continue the social investigation.
Through interviews with members of a Buddhist community on Middenweg, investigators learned that some members referred to the patient as “Lucky”. Further enquiries at Soep en Zo, a restaurant on Waterlooplein, revealed that a few patrons called him “Chris the Canadian”. These clues prompted the police to issue a video appeal on a Monday, asking anyone in Canada or elsewhere to come forward.
Public response
Since the video was released, the police have received more than 500 tips – a volume they describe as unprecedented. Stor said the force hopes the footage will reach as many eyes as possible, increasing the chance that someone, perhaps in Canada, will recognise the man.
Police stress that they are still uncertain how much the patient understands, despite attempts to communicate via speech‑generating devices, pointing at letters on a map and other methods. The investigation remains ongoing, and members of the public are urged to contact Amsterdam police with any information.
First reported by the Amsterdam police press office.