RCMP in Port Alberni and the Coroner's service are investigating the death of a 6 year old boy.
RCMP say they were called to a home Tuesday morning at 9:30 for a report of a child in medical distress. The child was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.
No details surrounding the nature of the death has been released as yet.
RCMP say the public is not at risk, but have not said if any arrests have been made. Meantime an RCMP team was spotted working at a residence on 8th Avenue in Port Alberni Wednesday morning.
Word of the tragedy spread quickly in the small community, prompting an urgent Facebook message from the principal of Haahuupayak Elementary school announcing the school would be closed for the rest of the week out of respect for the family.
Meantime the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC)issued a statement saying they are saddened to learn of the boy's death. Although they did not name him, they say he is a young Nuu-chah-nulth child, who had family connections in both the Ahousaht and Hesquiaht First Nation communities. They are asking for privacy for the family involved.