Investigation into death of soldier Andrew Fitzgerald concludes
The investigation into Pte. Andrew Fitzgerald's death has ended a day before family and friends remember the 19-year-old at a funeral in Cape Breton.
Fitzgerald died in the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 13, the day he was scheduled to move to Gagetown, N.B., to join a regular force infantry unit.
Police and military members launched a six-day search for the man. His body was found Aug. 18 in the water near the shore of Owen Sound Harbour in Ontario.
No foul play is suspected, and the investigation has ended, Owen Sound Police Service said in a statement Thursday. No one from the service was available for an interview.
Marksmanship award
Fitzgerald was new to the army, having joined near the end of January, according to his obituary. He completed basic training in St. Jean, Que., before heading to Meaford, Ont., about 30 kilometres outside of Owen Sound.
There he completed a basic trade qualification course at 4th Canadian Division Training Centre.
Friday before he went missing, Fitzgerald graduated from the course and received a marksmanship award. To celebrate, he then had dinner with his parents, who were visiting from Cape North, N.S. He was reported missing the next day.
'Couldn't wait to get home'
Fitzgerald grew up in the small Cape Breton community and had been planning a trip back.
"His true passions consisted of riding his motorcycle on the Cabot Trail and playing video games with his sister, Katie, and cousins, Jacob and Willy," his obituary said.
"Andrew couldn't wait to get home to spend time with his high school friends and hang out at 'da barn'."
'Absolutely devastating'
Lonny Kates, a spokesman for 4th Canadian Division, said colleagues of Fitzgerald's "were deeply moved" by news of his death.
"It's absolutely devastating," Kates said Thursday.
"Our deepest condolences and sympathies go out to Pte. Fitzgerald's family and friends. The entire Canadian Armed Forces community is deeply saddened by this."
In his obituary, his family said he made friends easily and cherished each one.
"Upon joining the Canadian Armed Forces, Andrew forged new relationships and often referred to them as his family."
The military paid for his parents' transportation home and to return his body to Cape Breton. An officer was also available to assist with funeral arrangements, Kates said.
The funeral is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Dingwall, N.S.
