School mourns educational assistant found dead near Wilkie

The victim in a suspicious death investigation near Wilkie has been identified as educational assistant Heidi Veit.

Living Sky School Division confirmed to battlefordsNOW Veit worked at McLurg High School in the community south of North Battleford.

“We have suffered a tragedy at our school. One of our staff members, Heidi Veit, died suddenly and unexpectedly,” the division wrote in a statement Tuesday.  

“In addition to our grief over the loss of this member of our school community, we are sensitive to the fact that such an event has an impact on our students and staff members.” 

Veit was one of the coaches for the McLurg High School wrestling team. They were regional champions in 2016.

RCMP investigators want to speak with Wesley John Veit, a man known to Heidi, who they believe has knowledge of the event. 

Police are asking those who encounter Wesley John, or know of his whereabouts, not to approach him and call the Unity detachment, 911 or Crime Stoppers.

Members of the public are also asked to avoid the scene in the R.M. of Buffalo, approximately five kilometres northeast of Wilkie. where the body was discovered.

Schools in Wilkie were locked down Tuesday as RCMP investigated the death. The facilities were not considered to be in danger.

The division said its implemented a crisis intervention team to allow students to talk about thoughts and feelings with professional staff. Counselling will also be provided for staff members.

– With files from battlefordsNOW.