Family of missing Dettah man struggles to remain hopeful

Volunteers continue to scour the woods around Dettah, N.W.T., for Mark Lynn, a 21-year-old man from the community who was reported missing on Sunday — but those close to Lynn are struggling to remain hopeful.

He was last seen on the evening of Wednesday Aug. 24, travelling by foot in the lagoon area of the community.

His father, Jim Lynn, says that's the day he last heard from his son, when Mark called from an area near Dettah and left him a voicemail, saying he might never see his father again.

"It wouldn't be the first time I've probably received that message," Jim Lynn said.

"But obviously this one is kind of ringing true. We'll see."

Jim Lynn said his son had struggled with drugs and alcohol, but had been clean for 30 days. In the past, he said, he's been kicked out of schools in Dettah and Yellowknife, which had an impact on him. 

"Pretty soon it got, 'You're so dumb, you're so stupid, you're so bad. Nobody wants you anywhere.' And that wore on him," he said, choking up.

'Get Mark home'

Roughly 30 volunteers fanned out across the bush on Thursday, with some guidance from the RCMP, who told them where they had already searched by foot and with drones earlier this week.  

Mark's mother, Julia Lynn, brought along a ball cap of Mark's to let search dogs get his scent.

Julia Lynn says her friends and family are supporting her, but she is struggling to remain hopeful.

"It makes me feel a bit strong, but you never know if we see him, it might be a different story."

Dwayne Nataway, a friend of Mark's, is also searching. He said it's hard to remain positive.

"You don't know what's actually going on, if he's around or if he's still alive. But it has been seven days," Nataway said.

"Hope for the best but also expect the worst."

Dettah band councillor Paul Betsina says he and Mark grew up together "like brothers."

He organized the volunteer search party because, "as Dene people we have Dene laws, we help each other, we make sure everyone makes it home safely in any way, shape, or form."  

Betsina asked searchers to keep their theories as to what happened to Mark to themselves.

"Answers will come after. The most important thing right now as a community, is to get Mark home."

The NWT Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week toll-free at 1-800-661-0844. In an emergency, contact your local health centre, or the RCMP.