COLLINGWOOD -- A local woman has died while on a volunteer trip in Africa.

The circumstances of her death, which was confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, have not been confirmed.

Susan Wells, 41, headed to Tanzania last weekend, suitcases full of educational materials for children.
Family members received the news on Thursday.

Former Collingwood Mayor Terry Geddes knew Wells through the congregation at Trinity United Church; Geddes also presented her father, Hank Wells, with the Order of Collingwood in 2001.

“She was a young person who carried on the proud tradition of service to the community set by her parents,” said Geddes. “Her’s is a tragic loss that will be felt by the whole community... she was known by everyone for her big smile and gentle, giving spirit.”

Wells had been working with young people in Tanzania for the last several years, holding fundraisers through Trinity United.

Foreign Affairs does not have a travel advisory in place for Tanzania, though the department cautions travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism.”