Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Hall Beach (Oct 22/01) - Nunavut's chief coroner is looking into the death of an 11-year-old Hall Beach girl.

Iga Pikuyak was walking home from school Oct. 15 when a loader removing snow struck her. Pikuyak died before a medevac flight could take her South.

If Pikuyak's death was complicated by weather, acting chief coroner Jim Neily could not say. "I wouldn't want to make comment on those types of things at this point," he said.

Heavy snowfall clogged roads and delayed flights in and out of the community that week.

"The local coroner is looking into the case and ultimately the chief coroner will, too," Neily said.

The loader's driver, a municipal employee, could face criminal charges. RCMP Cpl. Jean-Marc Nadeau said the investigation is continuing.

The community was understandably shaken.

Arnaqjuaq school principal Jim Legge said staff and students are coping.

"She was a very friendly and popular girl.

It's a tremendous loss and we're giving students an opportunity to express their grief. It's been a difficult week," Legge said.

Road safety tips are being re-introduced at school to prevent similar tragedies.

A memorial service was scheduled for the weekend.

Pikuyak would have turned 12 this month.