The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is asking West Coasters for help in finding a young man who has been missing from Prince George for seven years, ever since he was 14.
The organization has reason to believe Lucas Degerness may be on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, said Christy Dzikowicz, Director of MissingKids.ca.
“MissingKids.ca recently received a call from a male identifying himself as Lucas Degerness. The nature of the call has provided renewed hope that Lucas is out there, but also significant concern for his safety and wellbeing,†said Dzikowicz.
“We need the public’s help to find him. Even the smallest piece of information could help bring Lucas home. His mom is desperate to see him again,†she said.
“Our message is loud and clear – ‘Lucas, you’re not in any trouble’ … we just want to reunite him with his family,†she said.
In June 2007, after a meeting at his school with his mom and vice-principal, then 14-year-old Lucas spent the night at a friend’s place before disappearing the following day. He was thought to be carrying a large camouflage backpack. His family has not seen him since that day seven years ago.
The West Coast has been highlighted as an area of interest in his case by the Winnipeg-based Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
His 21st birthday was this January, another milestone his mom, Gina Degerness, marked without her son.
“If I could talk to Luke right now, I would say that I have missed you every single day. Please know that all we want is to hear from you and to know that you are okay,†said Gina. “We’ve missed so much of your life already, and we don’t want to lose any more time. We want you to come home
Lucas has brown eyes and at the time of his disappearance he had brown hair, a medium build and was 5’8†tall. He is probably at least 6’ or taller now, based on average growth progression.
Anyone with information regarding Lucas Degerness is urged to contact MissingKids.ca at 1-866-KID-TIPS (543-8477) or the RCMP. Tips can also be submitted online at missingkids.ca. All information can be shared confidentially.
See a picture of Lucas Degerness at age 14 here https://missingkids.ca/app/en/media_release_201404_lucas_degerness