DND: Four deceased at Point Frederick were RMC Cadets

The Department of National Defence (DND) has now confirmed that the four people who passed away after a vehicle ended up submerged in the waters of the Kingston harbour were all cadets at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC).

“We can confirm that four (4) RMC Cadets have passed away as a result of this tragic incident,” DND said in an email just after 2 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 29, 2022. The vehicle entered the water at approximately 2 a.m. earlier the same day.

The DND issued a statement earlier in the day, confirming the fatalities.

“We can confirm that a fatal incident involving a vehicle occurred on Friday, April 29, 2022, at approximately 2:00 a.m. ET on the Royal Military College Campus (RMC) in Kingston. An investigation into this incident is currently ongoing,” the media relations team for the DND said in an email.

“RMC’s first priority is to ensure our Naval and Officer Cadets, staff, faculty, and families are cared for and supported,” DND said. “This loss is felt across the RMC community, and we extend our deepest condolences to all our members, their families, and their friends during this difficult time.”

Inquiries for information from Kingston Fire and Rescue, who attended the incident scene first alongside Frontenac Paramedic Services, were redirected to the Department of National Defence at the request of RMC.

For their part, Frontenac Paramedics indicated that they attended the incident at Point Frederick on the grounds of RMC at approximately 2 a.m.

“Four patients were treated. None were transported,” Frontenac County media relations indicated in an email, directing all further inquiries to police.

However, Kingston Police are also refusing to comment, confirming solely that they have been brought in to assist the investigating agency, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, in the ongoing investigation, which is “in its infancy.” They, too, directed any further inquiries to the DND.

While the investigation continues, no information on the cause of the crash or those involved is being released at this time.

“The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) is currently investigating, with assistance from the Kingston Police. As the investigation is in its initial stage, no further detail can be provided at this time,” DND reiterated later in the day, noting that no interviews with the media or press conferences would be scheduled at this time.

“Next of Kin notifications are ongoing, therefore no further information will be made available at this time,” DND continued, indicating they would provide updates, “once we are in a position to do so.”

This is a developing story. Kingstonist will continue to provide updated information on this matter as it becomes available.

Point Frederick is a peninsula off of the grounds of RMC, which stretches into the Kingston harbour where the Rideau Canal, St. Lawrence River, and Lake Ontario meet.