WIIKWEMKOONG—A Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT) resident who had been reported as missing has been located deceased, the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) reported on Friday, January 19.
The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) announced on January 19, “33-year-old Adrian Gabriel Jacko was located deceased in the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT). Police are continuing their investigation with the coroner’s office. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends. We ask that you respect their privacy during this very difficult and emotional time.”
On Tuesday, January 16, shortly after 2 pm, the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) had put out a request for the public’s assistance with locating a missing person.
Investigation revealed that Adrian Gabriel Jacko had been last seen leaving his residence on Linda Street shortly before being called in as missing.
In a community update on the WUT Facebook page on Thursday, January 18 at 1 pm it was reported that day there was an OPP helicopter in the community to aid in the search for Mr. Jacko. As well the OPP efforts included their K9 unit, police drones, and additional personnel and resources from WTPS and OPP.
WUT administration, under the guidance of Ogimaa Rachel Manitowabi on behalf of council, provided meaningful supports to WTPS, OPP and the family. These included the use of WUT surveillance drones, creating and distributing a missing person flyer. Additionally, the Mnidoo Mnising Crisis Response Team provided support to the family. Community volunteers had also helped in the search for Mr. Jacko.
In a subsequent WUT community update on January 19 Shelley Trudeau, director of operations wrote, “on behalf of WUT administration, we would like to provide an update to the community and to our neighbouring communities about the search for Adrian Gabriel Jacko. With our deepest sympathies, we regret to inform the people of Wiikwemkoong, friends and neighbours that Gabe was located deceased in the early afternoon of January 19, 2024.”
“Firstly, I want to acknowledge and thank our community members who have been volunteering in the search for Gabe over the past three days,” wrote Ms. Trudeau. “We had community members assist in multiple capacities including at the community search and rescue headquarters, door-to-door canvassing, on foot and snowmobile/ATV searches in residential areas as well as the trails, shorelines and the wooded remote areas. We also had community members donate winter gear, food, monetary donations, and their time cooking and preparing food for the family and volunteers. The collective outpouring of support, cooperation and dedication from the community is truly remarkable. The family and the community of Wiikwemkoong genuinely and wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts and prayers of all.”
“Secondly, I want to acknowledge and thank Wikwemikong Tribal Police Services and the Ontario Provincial Police for their extensive efforts to locate Gabe Jacko. These efforts included additional personnel including the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), the use of the K9 unit, door-to-door canvassing, deployment of the helicopter and drone, and continued guidance throughout the search,” continued Ms. Trudeau.
“Thirdly, I want to acknowledge and thank our Mnidoo Mnising Crisis Response Team, WUT administration and employees, including the communications department and the surveillance team for the support and additional resources provided to the family in a swift and diligent manner,” wrote Ms. Trudeau. “We extend our most heartfelt condolences, prayers, and respect to Gabe Jacko’s family during this difficult time.”
Mnidoo Mnising Crisis Response Team will continue to be available 24/7 for anyone at this time. 705-348-1937.
