A Manitoba First Nation is mourning the death of a 14-year-old boy whose body was found outside in the cold.
Hyde Hayden’s body was found Sunday behind the school in Roseau River First Nation, located 100 kilometres south of Winnipeg.
Police have not yet said whether foul play is suspected. But some community members told CTV Winnipeg they believe the boy was beaten and left outside in the cold.
Ken Henry, chief of the Roseau River First Nation, said the whole community is mourning.
“It’s a tough thing to deal with, especially with someone so young.”
Sheldon Smith, Hayden’s uncle, said the teen was the eldest sibling in his family.
“Everybody is upset right now and trying to get through today,” said Smith. “I’m going to miss that boy.”
Hayden liked to play hockey and had recently started attending high school in a nearby town, locals said.
Classes were cancelled at the local school on Monday and grief counsellors have been made available.
In keeping with tradition, a fire has been lit and is expected to keep burning until Hayden’s body is buried.
