PORT ALBERNI, B.C. — A tribal council on central Vancouver Island says a young man who was living under the protection of its child-welfare agency has died.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council did not release the name, age or location of the man's death in a news release issued Thursday.
Barb McLintock of the BC Coroners Service said the agency was called to a private residence Wednesday morning in Port Alberni, where an 18-year-old man was found dead.
"This death is being investigated," said McLintock, "but all information is very preliminary at the moment, so we won't be providing any details at this point."
The tribal council has confirmed the man was under the care of Usma Family and Child Services.
The council's website says Usma's mission is to help parents, families and communities protect their children from abuse and neglect.
"Given the positive relationship we had developed with the young man, this event has come as a considerable shock to everyone," the tribal council said in a statement.
"He touched a lot of lives in a positive way and we are grieving his loss."
The tribal council said it is providing support to the man's family and others who knew him.
