A mechanical inspection is scheduled for the vehicle in which a teenage student in Drayton Valley, Alta. was found dead, RCMP say.
“This is a very tragic accident,” said Cpl. Chris Warren Friday.
RCMP responded to a call around 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 21, and observed a parked vehicle with the engine running while patrolling the area.
RCMP discovered a 16-year-old female passenger and a 17-year-old male driver inside. Both were unconscious.
The woman was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital. The man was air lifted to an Edmonton hospital in critical condition.
Police noted a strong odour of exhaust fumes from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was in an outdoor parking lot, said Warren.
The vehicle is scheduled for mechanical inspection on Dec. 27 and “we hope that the examination will bring answers to this tragic loss of life,” Warren said.
‘An awful tragedy’
The Wild Rose School Division issued a news release Thursday confirming that a student from Frank Maddock High School and one from the Drayton Valley Community Outreach School, a Grade 7-12 school, were involved.
“This is an awful tragedy,” said school division superintendent Brad Volkman in a news release. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, students, staff and communities impacted by this event.”
The school district’s crisis management team, wellness workers and the community resource officer are in Drayton Valley to support students and staff.
“Our school is like a family and I know this hurts us all,” Drayton Valley Community Outreach School principal Kim Desmarais said in the news release. “Together we will support each other as we grieve.”
Her grief was echoed by Frank Maddock High School principal Shelly Cloke.
“Words can’t do justice for how our school body is feeling right now,” Cloke said. “I know our school and community will support everyone and help each other get through this terrible time.”
Drayton Valley is approximately 135 kilometres southwest of Edmonton.