Man dies at ostrich farm protest camp in B.C.; RCMP say death not suspicious

A man has died at a protest camp outside Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., where demonstrators have been opposing a proposed government cull of hundreds of birds following an outbreak of avian flu.

RCMP said officers discovered the unresponsive man on Monday while visiting the protest site. Police described the incident as a “sudden death” and said there is no indication of foul play.

According to Nakusp RCMP, members of a police liaison team found the man lying on the ground and began resuscitation efforts, which continued until paramedics arrived. Despite what police called “significant efforts,” the man could not be revived.

Authorities say the man has been identified, but next of kin have not yet been located or notified. The B.C. Coroner’s Service is leading the investigation.

Tributes began appearing on social media pages associated with the protest movement, with supporters describing the man as a dedicated participant who had been camping at the site for several months.

The ostrich farm has been the centre of controversy since the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered a cull earlier this year after detecting avian influenza among the flock. The farmers appealed the order, but courts have so far sided with the CFIA.

The Supreme Court of Canada is expected to decide on Nov. 6 whether it will hear a final appeal from the farm owners.