Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Cambridge Bay, NU (Sep 23/02) - The death of a popular young man has sent the community into mourning.

Eric Norman Evalik, the 21-year-old son of Kitikmeot Inuit Association president Charlie Evalik, was killed Sept. 18 when his Honda ATV veered off a winding section of road near Mount Pelly.

Evalik's body was discovered by tourists at 5:40 p.m.

Sgt. Gary Peck said the young man, who was tossed "some distance" from the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Evalik was wearing a helmet.

"We don't know exactly when the accident occurred," he said.

Peck said the weather was "quite nice" on the day of Evalik's death. It's too soon to determine whether speed was a contributing factor, he said, but noted there were no skid marks on the road or any other indications that Evalik had lost control.

A large number of residents stayed home from work the following day, and attendance at Kullik School was low. Evalik was a Grade 12 student there.

Principal Elliot Johnson said about 25 parents called in to say their children would not be attending because of the death. Several other students did not attend, which Johnson believes was for the same reason.

"He was a good basketball player and the younger kids sort of looked up to him in that light.

"He was a very well-liked young man and there will be quite a void left in his absence," said Johnson.

A counsellor and several community leaders visited the school to comfort students, providing a "shoulder to cry on if needed," said the principal. The Department of Social Services also volunteered counselling services.

Evalik was a bright and talented athlete who never got himself into any trouble, said Peck. Evalik volunteered his time to assist Peck with the minor hockey program.

"He was a good kid that got along with most people ... his death is a great loss, that's for sure," he said.

Evalik had a passion for hockey, basketball, and enjoyed dancing with the Kitikmeot Youth Square-Dancers.

In an interview with News/North last year, Evalik said he would hit the basketball court with friends at every possible opportunity. He planned to concentrate more heavily on his studies this year to bring his marks up.

Evalik - or Tulugak, his Inuktitut name - expressed concern that Nunavut youth were growing up too fast and getting themselves into trouble.

"I think youth try to act too much like adults," he said. "It's becoming a problem. They try to drink and do everything at once. They're trying to grow up too fast, but not me. I'm taking my time."

Hamlet senior administrative officer Elwood Johnston said the entire community is in shock.

"We'll get through it. It's just going to be a little rough around the edges," he said.

Evalik's body was taken to Edmonton for an autopsy. Funeral services have not yet been announced.