A foreign national being deported from a Canadian airport died from “distress” following an altercation with border officials. The death is now being investigated by police.

The man, whose identity remains unknown, was facing removal from the North American nation’s Calgary airport on Tuesday afternoon, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials confirmed.

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The deportee and two officials reportedly got into a squabble before the plane took off.

“The individual went into medical distress and was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased,” CBSA said.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) confirmed to Global News they had been called to the airport just after 3pm on Tuesday and that the man, who they said was in his 40s, was still on the aircraft when they arrived. He was transported to the Peter Lougheed Hospital in a critical, life-threatening condition.

Police are now investigating the incident but say they will not discuss it any further until the autopsy, which was due to take place on Wednesday, is completed.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale described the incident as “serious.”

Speaking in Winnipeg on Wednesday, he added it must be “treated with the gravity and care that it deserves.”

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