Norman Wells (May 26/03) - The brother of a suspected drowning victim near Norman Wells two weeks ago said he would like to thank those who tried to save his sister's life, even though ultimately they couldn't prevent her death.

Suzanne Elisabeth Gardlund grew up in the Northwest Territories. She died May 10 when her canoe tipped over into the icy Mackenzie River near Norman Wells. - photo courtesy of Mike Duggan

Suzanne Elisabeth Gardlund, 44, was believed to have drowned when her canoe tipped over into the icy waters of the Mackenzie River on May 10.

A male companion with her in the boat managed to make it to shore before collapsing.

Neither were wearing lifejackets at the time.

Gardlund was out camping with three others at an isolated cabin on the other side of the river from Norman Wells. The incident went unreported for five days because no one at the camp had access to a radio or satellite phone, or means of transportation back to town.

It was only after a helicopter came to pick them up that they were able to notify police.

"There's no hard feelings with the family," said the Gardlund's brother, Mike Duggan. "This was a tragic accident. Our thoughts and blessing are with them (her companions) as well."

Daring rescue attempt

According to local RCMP, one of those camped with her risked his own life in a desperate attempt to save her. Upon hearing cries for help, he jumped into the freezing river and managed to grab a hold of her body from in between a hazardous minefield of drifting ice floes. After bringing her back to shore he attempted artificial respiration but could not revive her.

Duggan said he was told only that the man's name is "Melvin," although Norman Wells RCMP are denying it. Nor would they disclose the names of any of her companions.

Regardless, Duggan believes her body was well taken care of while her companions waited the five tortuous days for the helicopter to come.

"The Mounties said they did everything they could and then when they realized it was a lost cause they cared for her, her body and spirit," said Duggan. "They did everything they could for her."

RCMP detachment commander, Cpl. Ken Boone, said the group -- all of them local residents -- were out on a spring camping trip when the accident occurred. Apparently, the pair "were out for a paddle" when the canoe capsized. He does not suspect foul play.

NWT Chief Coroner Percy Kinney is investigating.

As for the man who tried to save her, Boone said the detachment is considering citing him for bravery.

"We're going to look at that," said Boone.

Kinney said tragedy might have been averted had the pair been wearing lifejackets.

"Most drownings in the territory happen when they're not wearing lifejackets," said Kinney. "That would be the case."

An autopsy was performed but Kinney said it remains unclear whether she drowned or succumbed to hypothermia.

The Mackenzie River ice had just broken a few days before Gardlund died, and would've barely been above freezing.

Kinney said he can't make a final determination on the cause of her death until further tests have been completed.

North was her home

Gardlund is survived by her parents Ed and Pauline, sisters Trish, Cathie, Shelley, Moira and her brother Mike.

She is also survived by three children: Carl, Daryn, and her youngest Danielle, who was living with her in Norman Wells.

Her brother said Gardlund had a long history with the North. She was born in Fort Smith, but also lived several years in Inuvik and Yellowknife.

After attending college in Red Deer, she returned to the NWT four years ago to work as a camp cook near Norman Wells.

"That's why she went home," said Duggan, who was in Lacombe, Alta., last week making funeral arrangements with his family.

"She wanted to be back home in the North, that's where she felt happiest."

Last year, the entire family travelled to Inuvik for a family reunion. Gardlund's sister Moira still lives there.

"That was really a blessing given what happened this year," said Duggan.

"Going up there last summer was really, really nice because we got out on the land again and just did all things we enjoyed doing."