The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces say a CAF member, Major Scott Foote, has died in Amman, Jordan of "non-combat related circumstances."
In a joint statement, DND and CAF say Foote was found unconscious in a military gym. He was pronounced dead after attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
An investigation is underway, which is standard protocol when a CAF member dies.
In the statement, Major Foote is identified as "a logistics officer from 1 Canadian Division Headquarters, based at Canadian Forces Base Kingston. He was working in Jordan as a liaison officer within the Canadian Defence Attaché’s office. He was part of the Canadian Training Assessment Team supporting the Op IMPACT Building Partner Capacity effort in Jordan."
DND and the Forces say, "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our fallen soldier during this difficult time. The Canadian Armed Forces will support Major Foote’s loved ones to provide them assistance. We will not forget his sacrifice as we continue on our mission in Jordan."
Speaking to the media, Major-General Omer Lavoie, Commander 1 Canadian Division, called Major Foote a "proud Newfoundlander, born in Carbonear, and always maintained his eastern roots."
"Scott was level-headed and jovial and good mentor for his peers," Major-General Lavoie said. "He was an outstanding officer and a great member of my team here at the First Canadian Division."
He had been deployed in Jordan since September, and was meant to be redeployed back to Canada just before Christmas.
Major Foote was 50 years old. He leaves behind a wife and an adult son. He had been in the Forces since 2006, and had served in the reserve forces previously.