Tuktoyaktuk (Feb 24/03) - An RCMP investigation into the death of five-year-old Tonny Kuptana of Tuktoyaktuk has been closed.

Alberta's chief medical examiner has ruled the girl died of natural causes.

The Red Deer RCMP and medical examiner's office began their investigation after Kuptana died on Valentine's Day at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton.

The grand daughter of Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Eddie Dillon, Kuptana was admitted to the hospital a few days prior to her death. She had been living with a foster family in Red Deer and under the care of Parkland Community Living and Supports Society, a private foster agency, for the past year.

Phil Stephan, executive director of Parkland, said the girl had been under the care of group homes in Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk before she was transferred to Red Deer.

He would not disclose any information about the girl's medical conditions for confidentiality reasons, but said the agency specializes in providing care for "medically fragile individuals."

Const. Leonard McCoshen with the Red Deer RCMP said it's standard procedure for the RCMP to investigate any sudden deaths, especially when a child is involved.

Members of the little girl's family were in Edmonton last weekend and returned to Tuktoyaktuk on Feb. 19. Funeral services were scheduled for Feb. 22.