Cambridge Bay boy dies after sled collides with water truck

A boy in Cambridge Bay died Tuesday afternoon after his sled collided with a municipal water truck.

Marla Limousin, Cambridge Bay’s chief administrative officer, confirmed the circumstances of the death to Nunatsiaq News on Wednesday.

The Municipality of Cambridge Bay issued a statement on social media Tuesday evening, extending condolences to the family of the boy.

“Please pray for the family. Please pray for all those that are directly and indirectly affected by all of our loss,” the statement said.

The Office for the Chief Coroner of Nunavut said it is investigating the death. Khen Sagadraca, Nunavut’s acting chief coroner, said the office has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

“After investigation, the coroner will provide recommendations to prevent death in similar circumstances and improve public safety,” Sagadraca told Nunatsiaq News.

Police have not yet released any details of the incident.

The mayor and council of the neighbouring community of Gjoa Haven has issued a message of condolence and urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of playing on or beside the roads.

“Often when playing, the kids will run or slide onto the road, unaware of the dangers around them,” the statement said.

“It is important to understand that moving vehicles, be it Skidoos and ATVs, trucks, or municipal service vehicles, do not have time to react if someone appears in their path at the last minute. This often ends in tragedy.”

Cambridge Bay’s municipal government is also asking people in the community to reduce their water consumption, as service “may be affected for the next few days.”