Military begins investigation into Canadian soldier's death

The military's National Investigative Service said Thursday that it is trying to determine if the death of a Canadian soldierin Afghanistan was the result of an accident or negligence.

Master Cpl. Jeffrey Walsh, who was with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry from CFB Shilo in Manitoba, was shot by a Canadian rifle in what appears to have been an accidental discharge.

The NIS said it has seized three rifles from the scene and is currently conducting forensics work. The investigation is expected to take several months as the NIS determines if military or criminal charges are appropriate.

Officials have ruled out foul play and suicide and are examining the possibilities of negligent and accidental weapon discharge. They are also looking into the handling and maintenance of the weapon.

Walsh, who had arrived in Afghanistan a week ago, had been involved in routine operations, just 20 kilometres west of Kandahar, when the accident occurred.

Walsh is the sixth Canadian soldier to die in the past week and the 25th soldier killed in the mission in Afghanistan.