Panniqtuuq (Feb 02/04) - The community of Panniqtuuq is still mourning the death of a popular hunter.

The man was one of four hunters out fishing near Cape Mercy, Jan. 25, when their camp was hit by an avalanche.

The three men who survived the incident were taken to Baffin Regional Hospital in Iqaluit. They are now home with family members recovering from the ordeal. The names of the hunters have been released.

Mayor Hezekiah Ushutaapik didn't want to comment on the incident. He said the community is taking the death pretty hard.

"We want to give people a little more time to recover," he said.

After receiving a distress call from the hunters, the hamlet organized a search and rescue party. A helicopter was also called in to assist with the search.

The three men were able to dig themselves out of the snow, but they couldn't locate the fourth hunter.

On Monday, Jan. 26, the helicopter spotted the hunters and transported them to Iqaluit.

Members of the Canadian Rangers and the local search and rescue team found the body of the missing man on Jan. 28.