Across social media platforms, the greater NMU community is showing its support for the family of former student Guiancarlo “Carlo” Estupigan, who was found deceased Sunday, by sharing his art.
The 25-year-old sophomore fish and wildlife management major was an avid photographer known for capturing the natural world and since his passing, his photographs are being used as a lens of remembrance.
“The outpouring of comments on social media and on campus have been amazing,” NMU Chief Marketing Officer Derek Hall said. “I was blown away by the images on his Facebook page, especially how he captured birds in action.”
As of publication, a post remembering Estupigan on NMU’s Facebook page has received over 2,300 reactions and nearly 300 comments of condolence.
Estupigan’s family said in a comment on the post that Estupigan considered the U.P. his home and enjoyed being with nature.
“In the end, he became one with what he loved to do and is now flying high with all the eagles he so admired,” Estupigan’s family said. “We love and miss him more than anything, but we know that he is in a better and happy place.”
NMU extended its condolences to Estupigan’s family, friends and classmates and expressed its gratitude to all those involved with the search in a campus-wide message sent to students and faculty on Monday.
Estupigan worked in professor Alec Lindsay’s biology lab, was known for his love of birds, fishing, photography and the outdoors and was planning to participate in a research trip to Zambia this summer, the message said.
On Tuesday, the NMU flag in the academic mall was lowered to half-staff to honor Estupigan.
“We always honor the family’s wishes and we thought that [lowering the flag] was the best way for us as an institution to honor him on campus,” Hall said.
Estupigan went missing Jan. 24 after hiking near Yellow Dog River. Three days later, his body was recovered at 4:15 p.m. about 2,300 feet south of CR 510 and the Yellow Dog River, around 300 feet from the roadway, by volunteers assisting the Marquette County Search and Rescue team.
Anyone in need of counseling services during this time of loss can contact the Dean of Students Office or the Counseling and Consultation Services at 227-2980.
