Four cadets at the Royal Military College have died in a “tragic” incident at the institution’s campus in Kingston, Ont., the Department of National Defence said Friday.
Few details were released about what happened on the campus located on the Point Frederick peninsula, where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, but the government department said the incident occurred around 2 a.m. Friday.
“Four RMC Cadets have passed away as a result of this tragic incident,” it said in a written statement.
“The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) is currently investigating, with assistance from the Kingston Police. As the investigation is in its initial stage, no further detail can be provided at this time.”
The loss of lives was being felt across the Royal Military College community, the department said.
“RMC’s first priority is to ensure our naval and officer cadets, staff, faculty, and families are cared for and supported,” it said. “We extend our deepest condolences to all our members, their families, and their friends during this difficult time.”
Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson expressed condolences to the victims’ families and friends.
“As a member of the RMC community I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of four officer cadets early this morning,” he wrote on Twitter.
“As Mayor of Kingston I want to express my sincere condolences to their families, friends & everyone at (the Royal Military College.) We stand with you (and) offer our full support.”
Kingston police said its officers were on the scene to help the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service and noted that the investigation was “in its infancy.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2022.
Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press
