By Colton Swiderski

City and C.F.B. Cold Lake mourning loss of pilot

Nov 29, 2016 | 5:00 AM

Both the city and Canadian Forces Base (C.F.B) of Cold Lake are in shock and mourning following the first aircrew member’s death in 12 years.

The incident happened yesterday, Nov. 28 at the base. Media were prohibited from entering the area.

The crash involving a CF-18 fighter jet happened at 11 a.m. local time (12 p.m. Sask. time) inside the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range according to a statement issued by Capt. Mat Strong, public affairs officer for the base.

Details are scarce at this point. In a tweet, the Royal Canadian Air Force confirmed the pilot did not survive the crash and the name is not being released until next of kin are notified.

Members of the community, visibly shaken, asked to be left alone and given time to mourn the loss. An official investigation is being conducted and at this time, officials have declined further comment.

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The last aircrew member from C.F.B. Cold Lake to lose their life was Capt. Derek Nichols in 2004.

Colton Swiderski is meadowlakeNOW’s municipal affairs, crime and court, health and education reporter. He can be reached at cswiderski@jpbg.ca or tweet him @coltonswiderski.