36-year-old man attacked in downtown Yellowknife dies in Edmonton hospital

Mark Poodlat from his Facebook page

A 36-year-old man who was attacked in front of Yellowknife’s Day Shelter earlier this week has died.

CKLB’s John McFadden originally reported Mark Poodlat’s injury and being in critical condition. RCMP issued a press release Thursday afternoon stating that the Poodlat family informed them of his sudden passing in and Edmonton hospital Thursday morning.

Police say they now have 32-year-old Victor Ugyuk in custody and he is facing an aggravated assault charge and two breaches of his probation.

He is to appear in bail court Friday afternoon.

Victor Ugyuk from his Facebook page

The NWT Coroner Service is now part of the investigation, and an autopsy has been ordered. The NWT RCMP Major Crime Unit is now leading this investigation, deeming it a homicide investigation.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Poodlat, and also with our entire community as we grieve the tragic loss of a community member,” said Inspector Alex Laporte in Thursday’s press release. Laporte is also the Officer in Charge of the Yellowknife Detachment.

Yellowknife RCMP continue to seek witnesses, or information related to this tragic incident, that happened on Tuesday, at around 5:40pm in front of the Sobering Centre and Day Shelter on 50th Street, to call them at 867-669-1111.

CKLB extends their condolences to the family and friends of Mark Poodlat at this difficult time.

 

About the Author

Josh Campbell
Start your morning with the Splash on Denendeh Sunrise from 7:30-8:30am. Campbell was trained and mentored by longtime CKLB host and Gwich'in entertainer William Greenland. Prior to hosting the morning show and filling in on the Saturday Request Show, he had stints in the Yukon on CKRW the Rush, CBC North in Yellowknife, and began his broadcasting career at CJCD Mix 100. Before moving North he was born and raised on the banks of the Tobique River, the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Tobique Maliseet First Nation.