Death at Baffinland's Mary River mine the result of workplace injury, say RCMP
Police turn investigation over to coroner's office, WSCC
Nunavut RCMP say the death of a worker at Baffinland's Mary River iron ore mine is being treated as a workplace injury, and the investigation has been handed to the coroner's office and the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission.
Michael Levi, 51, of Arctic Bay died at the Mary River mine site on Sunday in a "workplace incident" according to Baffinland Iron Mines, the company that owns the Mary River project.
Police are scheduled to return to Iqaluit Monday after investigating the incident along with mine inspectors from the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission.
Cpl. David Lawson said police worked with Nunavut's chief coroner's office on the initial investigation.
"It appears to be a workplace accident but this will have to be confirmed with the investigation which is ongoing," Lawson said.
Chief Coroner Padma Suramala says she's ordered an autopsy to determine the manner of death. She confirmed that no foul play is suspected.
The mayor of Arctic Bay said Sunday was a "sad day" for the community.
"A lot of people came to the children's home where he stays and they were comforting the family, and Baffinland came over and talked with the family yesterday," Phillip Kalluk said.
"It was really sad for the whole community," he said.
In a news release, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) said it reached out to Levi's family to offer its condolences.
"The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) mourns the news of the workplace incident at the Mary River Site that has seen the death of a worker," it read.
"QIA is in touch with Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation (BIMC) for further information surrounding the incident. The company along with the RCMP are currently conducting an investigation into the situation."
Baffinland Iron Mines declined to comment pending the results of the investigation.