Family Gathers To Mark Missing Teen's Birthday

By 250 News

On left, Lucas' Grandpa Lynn Parry, and mother Gina Degerness in red

Prince George, B.C. -  A small group of family and friends gathered on the steps of the Prince George Courthouse in the bitter cold this evening to mark Lucas Degerness' 18th birthday.

Luke was last seen three-and-a-half years ago on Oak Street, after spending the night at a friend's.  The boy, who was 14 at the time, has not been seen since.

His mother, Gina Degerness, issued a plea, "He's been gone far too long, he needs to contact someone to let us -- family and friends -- know he's alive."

"Someone knows something and they need to tell," she continued.  "It's been over three years of desperation, devastation, and misery and it needs to end."

Degerness says her annual vigil on her son's birthday is something that's within her control, she does it to raise awareness and remind people he's still missing.  "The more eyes and ears I have out there, I figure, the better my chances are."

"I'm also lighting this candle in support of all the missing people and the people who love and miss them around the world, especially in Prince George," she told those gathered. (click on photo at left for video clip)

"This community has way too many missing people -- it must stop and the silence must end.  There's too many hurting families and friends to remain silent."

Degerness was surrounded by her parents, sister, brother, and young daughter who was less than a year-old when Lucas disappeared.  She says her daughter has been an angel, who's given her the strength to go on.

When asked if she believes her son is still out there, she says, "I have my doubts, but after they searched the (Hudson's Bay) slough, it renewed my hope that yes, he's out there somewhere." (click here, for previous story)

Degerness is encouraging anyone with any information to contact the Missing Children's Society of Canada at 1-800-661-6160 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Click here to read Lucas Degerness' profile in the Missing Children's Directory.

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