Ada Blackjack's relationship with Lorne Knight
After being isolated on Wrangel Island for nearly a year and a half, Lorne Knight’s health began to deteriorate. Ada Blackjack and Knight were the only people left on the island, and Blackjack did all she could to assist Knight. In her diary, depicted on the left, Blackjack expresses despair for Knight as he looks weak, and alludes to the loneliness she expects to feel from being the only one left on the Island. “If knight happen to die what will I do here in this Island all alone he is laying in his bed since february 9th and now April 21st he is looks very skinny.” Unfortunately, Knight dies and Blackjack becomes the sole occupant of Wrangel Island. However, she is eventually rescued and returns to the United States.
Due to the erased section of Knight’s diary and the lack of witnesses, some believe Blackjack did not adequately care for Knight after he became sick, and her negligence contributed to his death. Despite these rumors, Knight’s parents were grateful for Blackjack’s efforts to care for their dying son. In a letter written by Knight’s father, shown below, he states: "How I wish I could make some suitable reward for Ada Blackjack. She is the Heroine of the whole expedition. If it is ever in my power to suitably reward her, I hope I may not overlook the opportunity." Although some theorize Knight died as a result of Blackjack's mistreatment, those most affected by Knight’s death believe otherwise and remain grateful for Blackjack’s presence on Wrangel Island.