THUNDER BAY -- An online fundraising page has been created in the memory of Braiden Jacob after the teen's body was found in the city over the weekend.
The 17-year-old from Webequie First Nation was in Thunder Bay accessing trauma and grief counselling services when he did not return to his hotel room on Dec. 5. A missing person report was filed with police on Dec. 6 and his body was found on Sunday morning on the golf course at Chapples Park.
A GoFundMe drive has been launched for the Jacob family and Webequie First Nation with a goal of raising $100,000.
"Funds will go directly to the Jacob family while they are in Thunder Bay awaiting the post-mortem results, charter flights to bring Braiden's body and his family back home to Webequie, funeral costs in the remote community, as well as immediate grief and trauma counselling for the family and community members and other associated costs," the fundraiser description reads.
"We are asking for support from the community of Thunder Bay, the province of Ontario, and from all of Canada. We hope that this fund will bring some peace to the family so that they may focus on their healing. Please hold the Jacob family and the community of Webequie in your hearts."
The teen is described as "an avid athlete, incredible dancer, loyal son, brother, uncle and a true friend."
The post said Jacob's death has left Webequie reeling.
Funds raised will go to the community's family support fund, which helps community members during times of crisis and immense need.
This marks the second death of a Webequie youth in Thunder Bay this decade. The body of 15-year-old Jordan Wabasse was found in the Kaministiquia River in 2011, months after he had been last seen.
