Media outlets are reporting that a soldier has been found dead early Saturday (June 25/2011) at a forward operating base located in Kandahar city. The military is saying this is a non-combat related incident; it was not the result of enemy fire.

At the moment, the family of the deceased has requested that the name be withheld. This latest death brings the total to 157 Canadian soldiers having died in Afghanistan.

If this turns out to be suicide, this will be the fifth Canadian soldier to have died in similar circumstances while overseas and the second suspected suicide in the past month. On May 27, 2011, Bombardier Karl Manning, 31, was found dead supposedly of suicide.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Master Cpl. Francis Roy of Rimouski, Que. has been named as the soldier found dead Saturday morning. Roy was a logistician, responsible for transport of troops and equipment. He was former member of the Royal 22e Regiment but was currently with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR).

(CBC, Global News, Montreal Gazette)

Prime Minister of Canada: Stephen Harper - June 25, 2011

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of a soldier of the Canadian Armed Forces

Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces:

“I would like to offer my sincerest condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the families, friends and colleagues of this soldier who died today in Afghanistan.

“The Government of Canada proudly supports our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen as they continue their efforts to build a safe and secure Afghanistan.

“This soldier, whose identity will remain protected until the extended family has been notified, was helping to bring back hope to a population that has seen much hardship and turmoil, and his service will not be forgotten.

“The soldier will be missed by the Canadian Forces family, his community and Canadians everywhere.

“We are all saddened by this loss.”

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