Military says Canadian reservist died while training at base in Manitoba

SHILO, Man. – The Canadian Army says a reserve soldier who died at a base in Manitoba collapsed while learning how to build a trench.

Pte. Kirby Tott, who was 25, died during a training course Saturday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base Shilo.

Maj. Giselle Holland, a public affairs officer, says Tott was learning how to install revetting to reinforce the walls of a trench when he suddenly collapsed.

Another military official says there were no vehicles or weapons involved.

The official says the military cannot comment on any possible cause of death until an autopsy is completed.

Tott was from Prince George, B.C., where he worked as a correctional officer.

“This is a sad day and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Pte. Kirby Tott,” Holland said Monday in an email.

“3rd Canadian Division along with his regimental family are providing care and support to the family during this difficult time.”

B.C. Premier Christy Clark issued a statement in which she called Tott a dedicated citizen who went above and beyond the call of duty.

“We grieve the loss of a devoted officer who was taken from us too soon. He represented Canada and British Columbia at our very best,” the statement read.

Tott was a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers, a reserve regiment, who was carrying out specialty training required to become an infantry soldier.