Mother Speaks Out About Son’s Tragic Death and Mental Health Struggles

The mother of a man whose lifeless body was found dumped on a highway south of Fort McMurray has opened up about her son’s long-standing mental health issues and battles with addiction. Margie Hatfield from Placentia reveals that during their last conversation, her son was desperate for money to appease drug dealers who were pressuring him to settle his debts.

Soon after their conversation, her son went missing.

On Tuesday, December 12, Wood Buffalo RCMP made a distressing discovery of a body on Parsons Access Road near Highway 63 in Alberta. Margie Hatfield confirms that the remains have been positively identified as her son, Mark O’Keefe. Though official details surrounding the cause of death have not been released by the RCMP, Hatfield firmly believes her son was a victim of murder.

“He was shot,” claims Hatfield, “and then callously thrown out of a truck onto the highway. His fate serves as a grim warning to others who find themselves indebted to dangerous individuals.” Hatfield finds solace in the fact that her son’s body was discovered, enabling the family to provide him with a proper burial.

Authorities also found a burned-out vehicle nearby, which they have linked to the case.

While Hatfield mourns the loss of her son, she is now focused on giving him a peaceful final resting place and looking after his wife and children. She expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the numerous people who have offered support to her family during this difficult time.

Initial Investigation into Suspicious Death of Placentia Native

Fort McMurray’s Wood Buffalo RCMP are currently conducting an investigation into the suspicious death of a man originally from Placentia. The RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious death on Parsons Access Road, close to the Highway 63 turnoff, on Tuesday, December 12.

Shortly after, the police received another call reporting a vehicle fire on Tower Road within the city of Alberta. Investigators believe that these two incidents are connected and are urging the public to come forward with any information that may aid in their ongoing investigation.

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