OTTAWA - The family of a Canadian soldier killed in a weekend training mishap at CFB Petawawa has issued a statement thanking friends for their support.
Arielle Keyes-Oliver, a 19-year-old Carleton University student, died after a military vehicle she was riding in flipped over.
Four of the 10 soldiers headed to a live artillery exercise were seriously injured.
"(Keyes-Oliver) was a wonderful daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, cousin, girlfriend, and friend to many. She was also a wonderful soldier," her family said in a statement.
A small group of the friends she made during her time at Carleton declined to speak to media Sunday, but one wrote an email describing Keyes-Oliver - a Waterloo, Ont., native - as having "a strong personality, a kind heart and had the most amazing sense of humour."
The reservists, members of 30th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, based in Ottawa, came to the base to practise for the weekend, said Lt.-Col. Bill Moore, base commander of CFB Petawawa.
Injured in the accident were 2nd Lt. Ryan MacIntyre, Bombardiers Jordan Anstey, Frederic Koch and Alexander Mullaly.
The four injured soldiers were initially taken to hospital in Pembroke, Ont.
Three were transferred to hospital in Ottawa where their condition was listed as stable.
Capt. Andrew Hennessy of CFB Petawawa could not provide the hometowns or ages of any of the injured.
About 50 soldiers from the Ottawa regiment were participating in weekend field craft and artillery training, he added.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Gunner Arielle Keyes-Oliver ... Canada and the Canadian Forces have lost a bright, young and talented soldier. Her loss is a tragedy and she will be missed," Defence Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement Sunday.
Carleton University president Dr. Roseann Runte said grief counsellors would be made available and a memorial may be held.
Canadian Forces described the incident as a "road accident" and said it is under investigation.
"Although her life was far too short, she touched the lives of many. She will be greatly missed by all," Keyes-Oliver's family said.
"She was proud to be a Canadian and proud to wear the uniform."
(Ottawa Sun, Waterloo Region Record)
Family of soldier killed in training mishap thanks supporters
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Published on
October 27, 2008
- Published on July 1, 2010
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