It is thought the cold and gloomy Yukon River took the life of a Whitehorse man on Christmas Eve. James L. M. Graham, 39, of north Whiskey Flats disappeared early on the morning of December 24.
He had gone to the river with a bucket but did not return. RCMP found tracks leading from his home to a section of shore ice where a chunk had broken off and floated downriver. There were no tracks turning back from the grey and icy river.
The police were called at 5:45 a.m. after Mrs. Graham became disturbed at her husband's absence. At first she thought he might be visiting a neighbour but became alarmed when she found he had gone to the river but had not come back.
Mr. Graham is survived by his wife and by relatives in Daysland, Alberta. He had been employed as a welder with RCEME here.
Mrs. Graham left Whitehorse for Alberta yesterday.
