

The Canadian Press





GREENWOOD, N.S. -- Military police are investigating the sudden death of a 13-year-old air cadet after he fell ill at a Nova Scotia military base.

Capt. Liam Mather, a spokesman for cadets in Atlantic Canada, says Gabriel Comeau of Saint John, N.B., fell ill Tuesday afternoon in his accommodations at 14 Wing at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood.

Mather says the cadet told a duty officer he felt sick, and the duty officer called emergency responders.

The boy was taken to the base's medical clinic and later transferred to a hospital in Kentville, N.S., where he was pronounced dead.

There's no word on the cause of death.

The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, an investigative arm of the military police, is looking into the incident.

Mather says the boy was taking a three-week basic fitness and sports course, which promotes healthy living.

About 1,000 cadets ranging in age from 12 to 18 go through the summer program.

Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, Chief Reserves and Cadets, expressed condolences on behalf of the Canadian Forces.

"The Cadet organization is a national network and this tragic loss is being felt across our entire institution," Bennett said in a statement.

"We can only imagine the tremendous sadness of his family and close friends and our focus is on supporting and caring for Cadet Comeau's family, fellow cadets and instructors at this time."