David Pisurayak Kootook facts for kids

David Pisurayak Kootook (born August 13, 1958 – died December 1, 1972) was a brave Inuit boy. He was from a place called Taloyoak (which used to be called Spence Bay) in the Northwest Territories (now part of Nunavut). David became a hero when he helped save the life of a pilot named Marten Hartwell after their plane crashed in the cold Canadian Arctic. David sadly passed away after 23 days, but his bravery was recognized when he was given the Meritorious Service Cross after his death.

The Plane Crash

A Medical Flight Gone Wrong

David Kootook, who was 14 years old, needed urgent medical help. He had a painful condition called appendicitis, which means his appendix was inflamed. He was being flown from Cambridge Bay to get treatment.

The small plane, carrying David, pilot Marten Hartwell, a pregnant Inuit woman, and a nurse, crashed. It hit a hill near Hottah Lake, which is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) northwest of Yellowknife.

Survival in the Arctic

Both David and the pilot, Marten Hartwell, survived the crash. Sadly, the two other people on board did not make it.

The pilot, Marten, broke both of his ankles, so he couldn't move around. The temperature outside was extremely cold, dropping to -40°C (-40°F).

David, despite being injured and very young, showed incredible courage. He built a shelter to protect them from the cold. He also managed to light and keep a fire going, which was vital for warmth. He even found food for himself and the pilot.

A Heroic Effort

David used all his energy to help Marten and try to survive. He kept going for 23 days in the harsh wilderness. Doctors later said that if David hadn't used so much energy on his heroic efforts, he might have survived.

Marten Hartwell was rescued by the Canadian military about a week after David passed away.

Honoring David Kootook

The Meritorious Service Cross

In 1994, 22 years after David's death, his family received the Meritorious Service Cross. This special award is given for outstanding professional actions or very high standards of service. It recognized David's amazing efforts to save Marten Hartwell's life.

Lasting Tributes

David Kootook's bravery is remembered in other ways too.

• In 1998, a shipping company called the Northern Transportation Company named a ship after him.
• There is also a memorial Inuksuk in Edmonton, which is a stone landmark built by Inuit people, honoring David Kootook.