The mother of a man found dead and dumped on a highway south of Fort McMurray says he had been struggling and tormented for years by his mental health and addictions.

Margie Hatfield of Placentia says the last time she spoke with her son, he was desperately looking for cash to hold off drug dealers who were pressuring him to pay up.

He went missing shortly after that.

Wood Buffalo RCMP reported the discovery of a body on Parsons Access Road near Highway 63 in Alberta on Tuesday, December 12.

Hatfield says the remains were positively identified as those of her son Mark O’Keefe. While RCMP have not yet released the official cause of death, Hatfield says he was murdered.

“He was shot” says Hatfield, and “thrown out of the truck onto the highway. He was an example for other people who were owed money.” Hatfield says the fact that he was dumped was fortunate for his family because “we can put him to rest.”

A burned out vehicle was found nearby, which police say is linked to the case.

Hatfield is now concentrating on laying her son to rest and taking care of his wife and children. She offered her thanks to the many people who have shown the family support in the last few days.

Earlier Story

Wood Buffalo RCMP in Fort McMurray are investigating the suspicious death of a man originally from Placentia.

RCMP responded to a call of a suspicious death on Parsons Access Road near the Highway 63 turn off in Fort McMurray on Tuesday, December 12.

A short time later police received a call about a vehicle fire on Tower Road in the Alberta city.

Police believe the two incidents are related and they’re seeking the public’s help in any information that may help in their investigation.