Calgary high school student dies on class trip to Japan
A Calgary high school student has died while on an school trip overseas.
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) says the student from Bowness High School "passed away unexpectedly" during a trip to Japan, but hasn't released details on how they died.
A source confirms to CTV News the death was not criminal in nature.
The trip was being held over spring break, and a letter sent to parents and guardians in May indicated it would be limited to 42 students.
"We will visit many historic, educational and cultural landmarks and will focus on the history, art and architecture, culture, connections to literature," read the letter.
In a statement, the CBE said it is "deeply saddened" by the loss.
"Our sincere condolences have been extended to the family at this very difficult time.
"The CBE follows a rigorous process for all international travel to support the safety and security of everyone involved.
"In tragic circumstances such as this, the CBE must respect the confidentiality of those involved and as a result, we are unable to provide further details."
The CBE says when classes resume on Monday, April 3, the board's Critical Incident Response Team will be on site to provide students with the counselling supports they may need.
The tour was booked through EF Educational Tours, with stops planned in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama and Kanazawa.
It was open to students in Grades 10-12, departed on March 23 and was set to conclude on April 1.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of a student participating in a cultural tour of Japan, and our team is providing whatever support the family and school may require," EF Tours said in a statement.
Global Affairs Canada said it is aware of the death of a Canadian in Takayama, Japan.
"Canadian officials are engaging with local authorities, and providing consular assistance," the organization said in a statement.
"Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.