WorkSafe B.C. and the B.C. Coroners Service are investigating a workplace death outside of the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre on Wilkinson Road on Wednesday.
A veteran correctional officer suffered a medical emergency while operating farm machinery in a field outside the jail’s barbed wire fence, according to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and WorkSafe B.C.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family members, friends and workmates of their colleague at this difficult time,” Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said in a statement.
“This is a very heartbreaking situation and everyone at B.C. Corrections is feeling the tremendous impact of the loss of one of their own.”
Saanich police were called to the scene about 2 p.m.
WorkSafe B.C. spokeswoman Trish Chernecki said safety officers are gathering information.
The employee’s name has not been released as his family is still being notified.
