Aklavik, N.W.T., woman found on trail dies of injuries

A young mother who was found injured and unconscious on a trailin Aklavik, N.W.T., last week has died, andRCMP are treating her death as a homicide.

May Elanik was found Nov. 11 on a snowmobile trail by RCMP and local nursing staff.

She was medevaced to Inuvik and then Edmonton, butnever regained consciousness. Elanik died Thursday night in an Edmonton hospital.

Relatives and friends have gathered inInuvikto mourn her death.

She was amother of seven children and part of a large, tight-knit Inuvialuit family.

"You know, it's very raw,"said her aunt, Sarah Rogers."It's very raw on the heart. We cry a lot together."

Rogers said Elanik was devoted to her family and thatElanik's four youngest children, all girls ranging in age from four to 13, have been hardest hit by her death.

"Man, it's hard for them because they want their mum," Rogers said.

"But we can't take it back, we can't take her back and we have to be with each other to support each other right now."

Homicide investigation

RCMPsaid Friday that they're treatingElanik'sdeath asa homicide.

They are asking anyone who may have seen any activity in the J.J. Stewart road area to contact police. They're also looking fora black iPhone that may have been in the area.

"The black iPhone continues to be an item we are seeking information on as well," RCMP said in a newsrelease.

Aklavik RCMP are working with the N.W.T.Major Crimes Unit in the investigation.

Rogers urges anyone with information to contact the police.

Anyone with information is asked to call theAklavik RCMP detachmentat 867-978-1111or Crime Stoppers at1-800-222-8477.