Canada in Afghanistan

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Department of National Defence

Apr 24, 2009 05:02 ET
One Canadian Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 24, 2009) - At approximately 4:00 p.m. Kandahar time, 23 April 2009, a Canadian Forces member was found dead in her accommodation room, at Kandahar Airfield.

Deceased is Major Michelle Mendes, based in Ottawa, Ontario.

An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of this incident. No further details are available at this time, although enemy action has been ruled out.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our lost comrade. Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to the family of our soldier and to her colleagues.

The immediate family of Major Mendes has no comment at this time. They are asking that the media respect their privacy and they will provide a statement in due course.

Note to Editors: A photo of the deceased Canadian Forces soldier is available on the Combat Camera website at: www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca