Canadian soldier, non-combat death in Afghanistan

Canadian soldier found dead at undisclosed Middle Eastern base


KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — A Canadian soldier was found dead in the sleeping area of a Middle Eastern military base.

The death of Cpl. Brendan Anthony Downey, a military policeman based in Dundurn, Sask., had been declared non-combat-related even before investigators arrived at the base.

The Canadian base in the Arabian desert offers logistical support to the military operation in Afghanistan.
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UPDATE
Canadian soldier found dead at Middle Eastern base a 'committed patriot': family
20 hours ago

DUNDURN, Sask. — The family of a Canadian soldier who was found dead at a Middle Eastern military base Friday describe him as a "committed patriot" who joined the military in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The military is investigating the non-combat-related death of Brendan Anthony Downey.

Downey, a military policeman based in Dundurn, Sask., was posted to a little-known Canadian base in the Arabian desert that offers logistical support to the military operation in Afghanistan.

A statement released by his family on Sunday says he was overjoyed to hear of his wife's recent pregnancy, and he will be sorely missed by his wife, his two-year-old son and the rest of his family and friends.

Downey will receive a military tribute and his name will be added to Kandahar Airfield's memorial for 85 other soldiers and one diplomat killed during the Afghanistan mission.

His death is the mission's 11th non-combat fatality.
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