Sincere Condolences - Death of Leading Seaman Benoit Bilodeau

“It is with great sadness that I report that Leading Seaman Benoit Bilodeau was discovered deceased yesterday in Eastern Passage.

“RCMP, Halifax Regional Police, regional Search and Rescue teams, and the Canadian Forces National Investigative Service worked diligently to find Benoit, keeping my command, the Base Commander and Commander Maritime Operations Group 5 informed as the investigation proceeded. Hope for Benoit was never given up and searches and chasing leads never waned.

“Benoit’s next of kin have been notified. We will continue to provide support and resources to his family and colleagues in order to assist them during this very difficult time. When the time comes, we will honour him in remembrance as is our tradition.

“On behalf of all in the Royal Canadian Navy, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Leading Seaman Bilodeau gave the Royal Canadian Navy 29 years of service, with many of those years spent at sea.

“Any tragic incident of loss always invites us to reflect on how we care for each other. We take this time to think warmly of our shared service with Leading Seaman Bilodeau and the professionalism and support that he offered his commanders, shipmates and trade.

“As a mark of respect for our colleague, his family and his friends, I invite you not to speculate on what happened. The proper authorities will complete their investigation in due course.

“Thank you most sincerely to all those personnel who supported the investigation, searches, family contact and ultimate resolution of this sad matter.”

Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic