The Canadian Armed Forces has identified a New Brunswick solider who died Tuesday morning while training near the Gagetown base.
The military issued a statement Wednesday evening, saying Cpl. Christopher Webster collapsed during a unit run at Hazen Park in Oromocto, outside 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown.
According to the statement, CPR was administered immediately and the 33-year-old Oromocto man was then taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Webster joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2009 as a regular member. He was serving as an army communications and information systems specialist for the 5th Canadian Division Support Group Signal Squadron at the time of his death.
The RCMP said Wednesday that Webster’s death is not considered suspicious and it has concluded its investigation.
The file is now in the hands of the New Brunswick Coroner Services. The military says it isn’t conducting the investigation because it didn’t occur on the base.
A cause of death has not been released at this time.
Webster was born in Halifax and leaves behind a wife and two children.
“Cpl. Christopher Webster was a devoted soldier, spouse and father. His confidence and character was an inspiration to those who knew him,” said Col. Daniel MacIsaac in a statement.
“He showed commitment and skill in his role as a Signaller, but that was eclipsed by his dedication to his children. He will be dearly missed by both his immediate family and his extended military family.”
According to Webster’s obituary, he loved fishing, playing guitar and was an avid gamer.
His visitation is taking place Thursday at the Oromocto Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held Friday at the Atlantic Funeral Home in Lower Sackville, N.S.
