Continuing Search for Darren Whiteman

On September 12, 2018 at our remote Northwest Territories wilderness cabin, our son Darren Whiteman paddled his canoe out into the shimmering bay never to be seen again. We pray he paddled his canoe through the glowing curtains of the northern lights, into the star filled heavens beyond, where he will forever paddle in sunshine and the calmest of waters. 

Our beloved son, Darren was a kind, gentle and loving young man who had the ability to touch the heart and spirit of all who knew him with joy and laughter. Always willing to help whoever was in need, never complaining, leaving a splash of sunshine wherever he tread, bringing hope and happiness to everyone around him. Darren lost his life in a tragic way but he is forever engraved in the lives of all those around him and we would truly appreciate your help to bring him home.

A huge effort was made by family, numerous volunteers, organizations, RCMP and business’s to locate Darren in the following weeks before the lake iced over. Sadly, he was not found. We continued the search for our son in November of last year utilizing cameras under the ice, again to no avail.

With help from Sahtu Search and Rescue, this upcoming May we will return to the lake to search on the ice with volunteers, a small team of dogs and their handlers trained for this type of search. Many elements need to be put in place to organize and fund this search. Flying the dogs and their handlers up from southern Alberta, accommodations, meals, equipment, supplies, volunteers, helicopter flights to and from the lake for the search,  and if needed recovery items.

It is with sincerest, heartfelt appreciation we thank all for their help up to this point and any assistance you can help us with going forward -  your support and kindness to bring Darren home means the world to us.

All donations will go to our families continued search for Darren and if prayers are answered any and all residual funding will be donated to the Sahtu Search and Rescue Society.



Our son, our sibling, our friend, Darren Whiteman, tragically lost but not yet found, always loved and never forgotten.

Mahsi, Meegwetch, Thank you,

The Whiteman Family