A member of the Canadian Armed Forces has died in the small African island nation of Seychelles, the Department of National Defence said Thursday evening, adding that his death was non-combat related.
Lt. Andrew F. Webster, 33, was based out of CFB Halifax in Nova Scotia. He was found dead in his hotel room just after 12:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, the department said in a statement.
The Dartmouth, N.S man was a member of HMCS Toronto, a navy ship which had made a scheduled port visit to the city of Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, the department said.
It added that Webster’s next of kin has been contacted, and while the circumstances surrounding his death are unknown at this time “enemy action has been ruled out and foul play is not suspected.”
Local Seychelles authorities are currently investigating the death, the department’s statement said.
Defence Minister Rob Nicholson expressed his condolences to Webster’s family in the statement.
“The loss of any member of the Canadian Armed Forces is tragic and affects each and every one of us on the Defence Team,” he said. “As we mourn the loss of Lieutenant (Navy) Webster, the Canadian Armed Forces' family will ensure that support is provided for those left behind during their time of need."
