Fort Providence (Sep 15/06) - An investigation is under way in Fort Providence into the death of an infant.

A four-month-old baby died on Sept. 10. The RCMP is investigating the death, said Cpl. Gillian Poole. The Coroner's Office in Yellowknife is also taking part in the investigation.

The body was sent to Edmonton for a post-mortem examination to help determine the cause of death, said Cathy Menard, the deputy chief coroner. The examination is a standard procedure in the case of all infants under the age of two, Menard said.

In Fort Providence, news of the death came as a shock to the community, said Chief Berna Landry.

"It's very sad," Landry said.

Other young mothers in the community are taking the news particularly hard, she said.

The community has been rallying to support the infant's family, Landry said. People have been taking turns to sit with the baby's mother and father. A stream of food and refreshments has also been coming to their house.

"It's two days after and everyone is pulling together and praying for the parents," said Landry on Tuesday.