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IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY - The Cambridge Bay community is reaching out to children and staff at Kullik Ilihakvik elementary school following the death of a student three weeks ago.

On Nov. 12, at approximately 12:15 pm, a six-year old boy ran onto the roadway on the main road in Cambridge Bay and was hit by an oncoming Canadian North pickup truck.

The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was unable to stop the truck in time.

The child was transported to the local health centre where he was later pronounced dead. The driver did not sustain any injuries.

Cambridge Bay RCMP are still investigating the accident, though they have determined that neither alcohol nor excessive speed were contributing factors in the accident.

While the roads can be slippery, it doesn't seem as though ice was a factor either.

"It was a tragedy, plain and simple," said Sgt. Louis Jenvenne last week. "The community was upset by it, I have no doubt, and it was tough on the children at the school. It was especially tough on the staff and the children."

Last Friday morning the school reported that the staff and students were receiving strong support from the community as well as from each other.

The Nunavut Teachers Education Program class came over to the school to lend their support as well as organizations such as the local wellness centre.

The school also reported that staff had visited all the classes and explained the situation to them. They have allowed the students to talk about their emotions, feelings and previous experiences and encouraged them to come to staff if they need support.