Classmates of Gabriel Comeau are remembering the 13-year-old from Saint John as a charming friend and enthusiastic cadet.
Comeau died on Tuesday after collapsing at the Greenwood Cadet Training Centre in Nova Scotia.
On Thursday, flags flew at half-mast at Samuel de Champlain School in Saint John, where Comeau’s classmates opened up about the shock that’s reverberating after his passing.
"That's the initial reaction: you don't believe it,” said Paul Tremblay, Comeau’s friend and fellow cadet.
“Like, this guy was always full of energy, he was so healthy and you hear this and you drop.”
Tremblay and two other students braved the television cameras on Thursday to talk about the impact Comeau’s passing has had on the school community.
"This school, you see everyone. In the hallway, it's ‘Hi, how are you,’” said Olivia Cull, the school’s student council president.
“He was always smiling, always in a good mood. He had a very promising future as well,” Cull said.
In a statement from Ottawa, Rear Admiral Jennifer Bennett, Chief of Reserves and Cadets, called Comeau’s death a tragic loss and said military authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident.
"(Gabriel) was so happy when he finally reached the age of 12 that he could sign up and be with his two older brothers to share the experience of air cadets together,” Bennett said.
Comeau was taking part in a basic fitness and sports course when he died.
Military officials say he was not involved in training activities when he fell ill.
He was first taken to the base’s medical clinic and from there was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Tremblay says he had a long-time passion for air cadets, even before he was allowed to join.
"Little Gabriel, I remember it, he was just six at time, too young to join cadets, but he was there, he was there every second night with the cadets and with us, trying to get some parade movements in, but the program had to wait until he was 12," Tremblay said.
Military officials have not said whether Comeau had an underlying medical condition.
As of yet his cause of death has not been officially disclosed.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Mike Cameron
