Canadian Forces member dies from non-combat-related wounds

Department of National Defence
News Release

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OTTAWA - One Canadian Forces member was found dead from non-combat-related wounds at approximately 6 a.m. local Kandahar time on June 25 at a coalition forward operating base in Kandahar City.

Next of kin have been notified and have requested that the identity of their loved one be temporarily withheld.

A Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of this incident.

No further details are available at this time, although enemy action has been ruled out.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our lost comrade.

Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to the family of our soldier and to his colleagues.

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces:

"I would like to offer my sincerest condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the families, friends and colleagues of this soldier who died today in Afghanistan.

The Government of Canada proudly supports our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen as they continue their efforts to build a safe and secure Afghanistan.

This soldier, whose identity will remain protected until the extended family has been notified, was helping to bring back hope to a population that has seen much hardship and turmoil, and his service will not be forgotten.

The soldier will be missed by the Canadian Forces family, his community and Canadians everywhere.

We are all saddened by this loss."

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