August 5, 2015
OTTAWA – Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, Chief Reserves and Cadets, issued the following statement today on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces regarding the death of Cadet Gabriel Comeau who died suddenly on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, after falling ill while attending the Greenwood Cadet Training Centre at 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S.:
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of 13-year-old Saint John Air Cadet Gabriel Comeau who was attending a three week course at the Greenwood Cadet Training Centre. I have been told by those close to him that Gabriel loved being a part of Air Cadets and he was so happy when he finally reached the age of 12 that he could sign up and be with his two older brothers to share the experience of Air Cadets together.
“Our summer training program involves thousands of Canadian youth ages 12 - 18 who are offered a very wide range of experiences and opportunities and we take the responsibility to protect the young people in our care very seriously. As is our practice in the event of any serious incident an investigation is underway.
“The Cadet organization is a national network and this tragic loss is being felt across our entire institution. 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.
“On behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces, I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Cadet Comeau as well as his extended cadet family that includes the cadets and staff of the Greenwood Cadet Training Centre and 161 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Saint John.”
The attached recent photograph of Cadet Comeau, taken at the Greenwood Cadet Training Centre, is provided for use of the media at the request of the family.
Major Doug Keirstead
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Chief Reserves and Cadets
Telephone: (613) 996-4314
After hours: (613) 897-2751
doug.keirstead@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Telephone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
