Sgt. Janick Gilbert, a search-and-rescue technician, takes part in a winch training exercise in Kingston, Jamaica on Friday, September 2, 2011. Gilbert was killed on a SAR mission to Nunavut on Thursday, October 27, 2011.
Credits: HANDOUT / DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE / QMI AGENCY
TRENTON, Ont. -- A soldier from 8 Wing Trenton died Thursday in a rescue mission near Igloolik (Hall Bay), Nunavut.
Sgt. Janick Gilbert was a search-and-rescue technician (SAR Tech) with 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron.
"On behalf of the defence family and our brave men and women in uniform, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of Sgt. Janick Gilbert, who died yesterday in Nunavut. He lost his life in the service of his country while unselfishly answering the call for help," said the commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lt. Gen. Andre Deschamps in a statement.
A press conference will be held at CFB Trenton Friday at 12:30 p.m.
"It is with deep sorrow that we learned about the death of Janick," said 8 Wing commander Col. Sean Friday. "Janick will always be remembered as a respected family member of 8 Wing who was committed to helping people in need. At this most sorrowful time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many friends."
The mission was a collaborative effort that included search-and-rescue aircraft and crews from 17 Wing Winnipeg, 8 Wing Trenton, 9 Wing Gander and 14 Wing Greenwood. It was co-ordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton. The mission itself resulted in the rescue of two people who had been stranded on a boat.
The incident is currently under investigation.
