In the vast and close-knit community of Iqaluit, Nunavut, a familiar face, 44-year-old Benjamin 'Benjy' Palluq, vanished, leaving behind a profound sense of unease. He was last seen on March 15, 2014, and was officially reported missing to the RCMP on March 21 of that year. Palluq, a man of Inuk descent, was a well-known figure to those who frequented the downtown area, often seen at places like the Northmart Store and the Royal Bank.
At the time of his disappearance, he was experiencing homelessness and did not have a fixed address. Concern for his well-being was heightened by the fact that he required medication for epilepsy and may have had other health issues. Friends and community members described him as friendly and approachable, making his sudden absence all the more alarming.
The news of Palluq's disappearance galvanized the community of Iqaluit into action. The RCMP, in conjunction with Nunavut Search and Rescue, established a temporary office to coordinate the efforts of numerous volunteers who were eager to help. These dedicated individuals conducted extensive searches, meticulously combing through abandoned boats, crates, and going door-to-door in their quest to find any sign of him. The search efforts were comprehensive and demonstrated the overwhelming support for Palluq within the community. Despite these exhaustive efforts, which continued for weeks, no trace of him was ever found. The challenging winter conditions at the time of the initial search added another layer of difficulty to an already desperate situation.
As months turned into years with no new information, the hope of finding Palluq alive began to fade. The investigation into his disappearance remained open, but all efforts to locate him proved inconclusive. His sister voiced the family's enduring hope when she suggested another search once the snow had melted, clinging to the possibility that the change in season might reveal new clues. In a poignant gathering in April 2016, two years after he was last seen, family and friends came together to hold a memorial service for Palluq, a moment to formally remember the man who had been a fixture in their lives. The case of Benjamin Palluq is a somber reminder of a life that seemingly vanished, leaving a community with lingering questions and a permanent sense of loss. His disappearance remains an open investigation, a cold case that continues to resonate within Nunavut.Last Seen: Mar 15, 2014
