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Search expands for missing Hay River man

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Junghwan (David) Park, an employee at The Rooster, has been missing since April 3.

As of April 15, there was still no sign of a man missing in Hay River.

According to an RCMP news release on April 13, it is continuing to search for Junghwan (David) Park, 34, who was last seen in Hay River on April 3.

The police noted they expanded the area of broadcast of the missing person report to Alberta, and they are now expanding it further.

Junghwan (David) Park, an employee at The Rooster, has been missing since April 3.

The news release noted Hay River lies just off the NWT's main transport route that is used by private motorists and commercial drivers.

Hay River RCMP are seeking information from anyone who may have picked up or offered a ride to a person matching Park's description from April 3 onward.

The police noted a motorist or commercial driver may not be aware that Park has been reported missing.

"Tourism and commercial driving on the North's ice roads draw many people to the North," stated Marie York-Condon, RCMP media relations liason. "Anyone of them may have offered a ride to David (Junghwan Park) and not be aware he has been reported missing. We are asking anyone who may have had contact with David to please report it to the Hay River RCMP."

After receiving a missing person report from Park's co-workers at The Rooster convenience store and gas bar, the RCMP searched by foot, snowmobile and air from April 4 to April 6. On April 7, the RCMP, with the assistance of the Hay River Fire Department, organized a formal search of wooded areas and trails. Community members, including friends and co-workers of Park, aided in the search efforts.

The RCMP also requested residents and business owners to check their properties for anything that may seem out of place.

Motorists were asked to report if they saw anyone walking the highway system in the Hay River area.

On April 12, a helicopter was sent out on an aerial search for approximately six hours.

The RCMP said those efforts and the areas available to be searched have been exhausted.

However, the police added the investigation and search continue.

Park is described as being of Korean descent, 5'8'' (177 cm) tall, 150 lbs (68 kg), with a slight build and short black hair and brown eyes. He speaks Korean with limited English.

At the time of his disappearance, Park is believed to have been wearing a khaki jacket described as a tan sweater, and may have been wearing a black baseball cap with a yellow letter 'P' on the front. He may also be wearing glasses.

Anyone who has any information on Park's whereabouts can contact the Hay River RCMP at 874-1111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, nwtnutips.com, or text nwtnutips to 274637.