A 13-year-old cadet has died while attending a three-week summer training camp at 14 Wing Greenwood in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
A military spokesman said the cadet collapsed after he reported feeling ill Tuesday afternoon. The teen was taken to the Kentville Regional Hospital where he died.
The teen has been identified as 13-year-old Gabriel Comeau of Saint John.
“The cadet was here on a three-week basic fitness and sports course, so generally speaking it's focused around fitness activities,” said Lt.-Col. John Cater, commanding officer of the Greenwood Cadet Training Centre.
The program attracts youth aged 12 to 18 from all across the Maritimes and beyond, and the training element is secondary, Cater said.
Military officials say the cadet’s death was not related to training activities, but couldn't say whether the teen had an underlying medical condition.
The cadet’s family has travelled to the base.
Flags were flying at half-mast at the air base on Wednesday and cadets wrote messages of condolences in chalk.
“They found it very therapeutic. As you can see the artwork is fantastic and the messaging is great,” Cater said.
He said none of the participants have chosen to go home as a result of the death.
Cater said they are being provided whatever help they need, including mental health professionals, chaplains and a youth counsellor.
Members of the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service were at the camp on Wednesday investigating the incident.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kayla Hounsell
