The Department of National Defence (DND) is investigating after four military cadets died in a vehicle incident that occurred on the grounds of Royal Military College in Kingston early Friday morning.
Government officials have released limited details on the incident, only saying that it occurred on campus on Point Frederick Drive at around 2 a.m.
"I confirm the devastating loss of four of our officer cadets," said Josée Kurtz, the college's commandant.
She identified the victims as Officer Cadet Jack Hogarth, Officer Cadet Andrei Honciu, Officer Cadet Broden Murphy, and Officer Cadet Andrés Salek.
"These four amazing young adults were fourth-year students and were set to graduate with their university degrees and commission as officers in the Canadian Armed Forces," Kurtz said.
Hogarth and Salek were completing their Bachelor of Arts in Military and Strategic Studies degrees and were going to be armoured officers in the Canadian Army.
Meanwhile, Honciu and Murphy were Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration students. Honciu was going to be a logistics officer in the Canadian Army, while Murphy was going to be an aerospace control officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Kurtz said the incident left the college's tight-knit community devastated.
"We have about 1200 students on campus. And so to lose four all at once. I mean, those young people and our staff and the faculty, we pretty much all know each other. I live here. I see those young people every day. And so for the time, under such circumstances, it's tough," she said.
When asked for more specifics on what exactly transpired, Kurtz said she cannot provide further information and will let the investigators determine that.
"An investigation into this incident by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is ongoing and in order to ensure the integrity of the investigation, the details of the incident will not be provided until the investigation is complete," she said.
Meanwhile, in a message posted to Twitter on Friday afternoon Minister of National Defence Anita Anand said that she was “heartbroken” by the “profound loss.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed his condolences via Twitter.
“My heart breaks for the families and friends of the four cadet officers who lost their lives early this morning in Kingston. The tragic passing of these young Canadians is a devastating loss. To all who knew them: We’re here for you,” he said.
