Dead pre-teen boy found outside Ochapowace First Nation

A pre-teen boy was found dead outside Ochapowace First Nation on Dec. 20.

Broadview RCMP is investigating the sudden death of a pre-teen boy after he was found on the evening of Dec. 20, said police in a statement.

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According to a police statement, officers said the initial investigation “has determined the boy left a residence on the Ochapowace First Nation on foot around 5:00 p.m., destined for another residence in the community.”

Someone who was passing by the area found the boy’s body just before 8 p.m., several hundred metres from the original residence, noted police.

After the initial investigation and consulting with RCMP Major Crimes, the Mounties said, at this time, the boy’s sudden death is not considered suspicious.

Police said an autopsy by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service must be conducted to confirm the boy’s cause of death.

“We understand there is conversation happening locally and at this time the RCMP cannot confirm whether or not the boy’s death was the result of an animal mauling, if weather or another element was a factor,” added the Broadview RCMP in a statement.

The Mounties are asking the public to refrain from any vigilante action towards animals.

“Pending autopsy results, the appropriate authorities will determine next steps, if any, to mitigate any concerns,” noted police.

The RCMP did not release any other identifying details about the boy at this time.

“The RCMP offers our deepest condolences to the boy’s family and the community at large during this very difficult time.”

In an update issued on Dec. 24, the RCMP said the cause of the boy’s death has not yet been confirmed, but an investigation by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service confirmed that the death was not suspicious.

“The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is investigating to determine cause of death,” the RCMP said in a statement. “As this is considered a sudden death investigation with no criminal element, the police do not have any other information to provide, and we don’t anticipate further updates.”

Ochapwace Nation leaders offer condolences

The kakisiwew-ochapwace Nation’s Office of the Chief and Councill offered their “deepest condolences to the family during this heartbreaking time. Our hearts are with them as they grieve the tragic loss of a young boy whose life was beginning,” said a statement.

The “horrific” incident has “deeply shaken our community,” said the First Nation leaders.

The notice also recognized that this loss has a “profound impact on many.”

In the statement, the management team offered mental health and crisis support to those who need it.

“Moving forward, information will be prepared on measures to help prevent future incidents and strengthen our community’s safety.”