A man killed in a 2015 hit-and-run on Forest Road in Walthamstow, London, has finally been identified after nearly ten years as Bryan Alwyn Woolis, following the tireless efforts of a South Yorkshire Police officer volunteering with Locate International.

Woolis was struck by a black Mercedes C-Class while crossing Chingford Road at 10:20 PM on 22 January 2015. Despite investigations by the Metropolitan Police, the victim remained unidentified for nearly a decade, stalling closure for both authorities and any surviving relatives.

The Fatal Collision

Woolis, who had been living in London since the early 2000s, suffered fatal injuries in the incident and later died at the Royal London Hospital. The 21-year-old driver involved was later prosecuted and received a suspended sentence. But a lack of ID, phone contacts, and reliable witness information meant the man remained listed as a John Doe, misidentified at the time as "Brian Wallace."

The Cold Case and a Public Appeal

In January 2024, cold case charity Locate International launched a renewed public appeal to help identify the man, including high-resolution photographs published by The Sheffield Star. The images drew the attention of Inspector Nik Dodsworth, a South Yorkshire officer who began working on the case in his spare time.

"I found it quite sad that despite good-quality photos, he remained unidentified," Dodsworth told Locate International.

Solving the Mystery

Using internet forums, obituaries, and access to the Police National Computer, Dodsworth worked with Met detectives and eventually uncovered a partial DNA match. That breakthrough led to confirmation that the man was Bryan Alwyn Woolis.

The match was further validated when Dodsworth located an obituary for Bryan’s father, Alwyn Woolis, published in Derbyshire in 2016. It listed Bryan among three children. This led to contact with Woolis’s sister and brother, who confirmed his identity.

"Because the family didn’t stay in regular contact, it wasn’t unusual not to hear from Bryan," Dodsworth explained.

Bringing Peace to the Family

Woolis’s sister had previously heard rumours that Bryan had died from natural causes, but had never confirmed it. Dodsworth’s call, while painful, finally brought clarity. She expressed gratitude to Locate International and the police for restoring her brother’s name.

Currently, Woolis is buried in a common grave at Manor Park Cemetery under the name "Brian Wallace." Locate International is fundraising to replace the headstone with one bearing his correct name.

"It has to happen," Dodsworth said, backing the effort to restore Woolis’s identity with dignity.

Broader Implications and Public Reaction

Each year, the UK Missing Persons Unit reports dozens of unidentified traffic victims, a reality that underscores the importance of collaboration between charities and police forces. Locate International’s volunteer-led model is now widely recognised for its community-powered case resolutions.

Online, reaction to the breakthrough has been overwhelmingly positive. On X (formerly Twitter), users praised the outcome as "a testament to human decency" and "proof that persistence pays off."

"What an incredible story of compassion and commitment. Thank you to everyone involved," read one post by the Missing People Charity.

Why This Case Matters

The case of Bryan Woolis highlights:

• Gaps in ID recovery during critical investigations
• The power of cross-agency and volunteer collaboration
• The emotional importance of restoring a true identity to those who die unknown

This long-overdue identification not only closes a chapter but sets a standard for what’s possible when police and public work together.

Support the Memorial Effort

To contribute to the campaign for Bryan’s headstone:

• Visit Locate International’s official website
• Or follow @LocateMissing on social media for donation updates

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