A private investigating agency called, "Pulse Private Investigations," and operates the missing persons group "Whereabouts Unknown" has unveiled the creation of the Luke Joly-Durocher Memorial Bursary for students in its new Ontario Private Investigators Licensing Course.
Luke Joly-Durocher, 20 years old at the time, disappeared from North Bay while visiting friends on March 4, 2011. Asked by Luke's father, Rob Joly, to investigate his son's case the Pulse team says it has spent hundreds of volunteer hours over a two-year period unraveling the mystery of what happened to the aspiring musician from Kebaowek First Nation.
"The good people of North Bay and area reached out to provide a high number of tips, which our team has forwarded to the North Bay Police Service," said Ellen White, Pulse's owner, and Senior Investigator in a release.
"Sadly, it is our team's belief that Luke met with foul play on the evening that he disappeared."
White says after consulting with Luke's father Rob, they decided to create the bursary which will provide free tuition for two students each year in their virtual classrom.
"As the tragic 12th anniversary of his disappearance approaches we wanted to find a way to commemorate Luke, who is much loved by his parents, sisters, extended family and community," she said.
Rob Joly says he hopes the students benefit from the bursary.
“While we suffer the pain of missing Luke every day we know that we aren't alone and that there are other families going through the same thing," said Rob Joly.
"We hope that in turn, the bursary will help other families in their search for answers."
Applications for the first bursary close on March 10, 2023. For information on how to apply please email [email protected].
