The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing its search for 62-year-old Daniela Nekuliak, who has been missing for three weeks. She was last seen on the morning of March 12, 2026, walking toward Boulevard Lake on Algoma Street North.
Investigators report that video surveillance captured Nekuliak walking in a determined manner at approximately 9:30 a.m. that day. Since she disappeared from the camera’s view, police say they have no leads regarding her direction of travel. Her family has stated that her disappearance is completely uncharacteristic, as she is a homebody who typically maintains close contact with them.
The search efforts have been extensive, involving drones, snow machines, and K9 units. The Ontario Provincial Police has provided additional support through their helicopter and emergency response team, while the Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit has also assisted in the operation. The search area has spanned from the former Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital to Centennial Park, but these efforts have not yet resulted in locating her.
Detective Constable Jeff Saunders, the missing persons coordinator for the local police service, is managing the investigation. On March 19, a regional bulletin was issued to all police services across Ontario to assist in the search. Family members have expressed extreme concern, noting that Nekuliak requires medication she does not have with her and was not dressed appropriately for the cold weather.
Nekuliak is described as 5’4″ tall with a medium build, medium-length grey hair, and brown eyes. At the time she was last seen, she was wearing a grey wool hat, a white fleece jacket under a black puffy jacket, black pants, grey gloves, and brown or grey Sorel waterproof boots.
Police are urging residents in Thunder Bay to check their properties, including yards, sheds, and vehicles, as well as any personal video surveillance for signs of anyone matching her description. Anyone who spots Nekuliak is asked to call 911 immediately.
