Search ends for missing Kugluktuk youth

The search for Clinton Panegyuk, 21, of Kugluktuk has ended after searchers failed to locate any signs of the young man who vanished from his home late last month.

Panegyuk’s parents arrived home Sept. 27 from their cabin near the community and found their son wasn’t home. Then, the next morning his father found Panegyuk’s gloves and jacket on the shore down by the water near their home, said Const. Brent Harris of the Kugluktuk RCMP detachment.

Panegyuk had not shared any thoughts that he might be depressed, Harris said. “There was nothing recent to indicate that he was upset. It seemed like he simply just disappeared.”

Members of the local ground search team and the RCMP carried out foot and water patrols until Oct. 2. Then, the water search involving four boats was called off.

People in the community continue to check the shore for any evidence of the missing young man, Harris said.

A memorial service was held Oct. 15 for Panegyuk at the Anglican church in Kugluktuk.

Members from the Kugluktuk RCMP detachment attended in red serge along with members of the ground search and rescue team.

People who have any other information on this file, which remains open, and who have not yet spoken to the RCMP in Kugluktuk, are urged to call or stop by the local detachment. To remain totally anonymous, informants may also call Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-8477(TIPS).