by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 18/97) - RCMP spent several hours yesterday afternoon investigating the death of a 47-year-old Yellowknife man.

His body was found in his Stinson Road trailer in Northland Trailer Court around 2 p.m. by friend Eric Bartlett who had gone to remove his truck from the friend's driveway.

The last time Bartlett talked to him was Tuesday night, according to Bartlett's wife, Vi.

"Eric talked to him on Tuesday night just after he had just got back to town," she said.

Vi said the men had been friends since they worked together at Giant Mine 15 or 16 years ago.

While Bartlett now works for Con Mine, the deceased worked at Giant Mine.

"He had no family here in Yellowknife," she said. "We were the closest he had to family in Yellowknife. Eric was the closest friend he had. His mother lives in Vancouver."

Neighbor Nicole Loubert said that it had been quiet at the man's house over the past few days, but she hadn't seen anything unusual.

Three hours after being called to the home, RCMP and officials from the coroner's office removed the body and took it to Stanton Regional Hospital for examination.

RCMP Cpl. Mac Eaton said police are continuing to investigate, but he was unable to conclude if the death is suspicious.

The cause and time of death are unknown and the name of the deceased is being withheld until the next of kin have been notified.