Police Cleared in River Death Investigation
Nova Scotia's Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has determined that New Brunswick RCMP officers did not cause the death of a man in the St. Croix River earlier this month. The independent oversight body concluded its investigation into the November 17, 2025, incident that occurred along the border between St. Stephen, New Brunswick, and Calais, Maine.
Investigation Details and Findings
The SiRT investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the man's death after concerns were raised about police involvement. According to the report released on November 21, 2025, evidence collected during the probe showed that RCMP actions did not contribute to the fatal outcome. The investigation included witness statements, police reports, and forensic evidence to reach its conclusion.
Natalie Lombard reported the findings that provide crucial transparency about the incident. The St. Croix River, where the tragedy occurred, serves as a natural border between Canada and the United States in the region. Video footage from CTV News Atlantic captured the river conditions on the day of the incident, showing the challenging environment facing both the individual and responding officers.
Accountability and Public Trust
The SiRT investigation represents standard procedure for incidents involving serious injury or death during police interactions. This marks another case where independent oversight has provided clarity on police conduct in maritime environments. The findings help maintain public confidence in police accountability mechanisms while providing closure to the investigation.
New Brunswick RCMP have acknowledged the SiRT report and continue to cooperate with oversight bodies. The case highlights the complex nature of police operations in border regions and the importance of independent review in maintaining public trust in law enforcement agencies.
