Body found at Fredericton landfill identified as that of 29-year-old homeless man

Fredericton police have identified Sterling Hunter, 29, as the man whose body was discovered at the landfill on Monday.

The investigation is ongoing, but Police Chief Martin Gaudet said the man was homeless and known to frequent shelters.

Police are not investigating the case as a homicide, but have not completely ruled out foul play at this time, Gaudet said.

Warren Maddox, executive director of Fredericton Homeless Shelters, said Hunter will be remembered as being "a good guy," and that it's been a hard day for him and his staff.

"He was a kind guy, he was known for doing out-of-the-bluekind things," Maddox said.

Although Hunter didn't have a lot of money, Maddox said he remembers him bringing pizzas for the staff and residents at the shelter on one occasion, and often helping to clear snow and ice from the entryway.

Maddox said his staff has known Hunter since about 2019, and that he was known for his kindness to staff.

"Our sympathies go out to his family and friends. He was a really nice, decent person," Maddox said.

"Twenty-nineis way too young."

Police were called around 10:45 a.m. Monday to the landfill at 1775 Allison Blvd. after employees discovered human remains.

Detectives with the major crime unit investigatedand Gaudet said next of kin have been notified.

WATCH | Fredericton police say man was homeless:

Body discovered at Fredericton landfill identified

7 months ago

Duration 1:21

Twenty-nine-year-old Sterling Hunter of Fredericton has been identified as the person found dead at the landfill on Monday morning. Police say the cause of death is still being determined.

Gaudet said the human remains were found in the debris section of the dump, but it is not yet clear when Hunter died.

Police have been working with local businesses to gather security camera footage. They have footage of Hunter around 2:30 a.m. Monday in the uptown part of Fredericton's south side.

Gaudet asked anyone who saw Hunter after that time to contact police, who are still seeking more surveillance footage showing Hunter.

The investigation continues and Gaudet said it might be several weeks before the circumstances around the death become clear.