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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
The body of a Fort Smith man was discovered near the community's arena on Feb. 7.

According to the RCMP, officers responded to a call at about 1:30 p.m. regarding an unresponsive adult male located outdoors near Centennial Arena.

The RCMP went to the scene with the coroner and it was determined the man was dead. Police have identified him as Raymond Paul Beaulieu, 53.

The police in Fort Smith are continuing their investigation with the assistance of the 'G' Division Major Crimes Unit from Yellowknife.

Sgt. Wes Heron, the media relations officer with the RCMP's 'G' Division, said all sudden deaths are considered suspicious, pending the outcome of investigations.

The office of the chief coroner of the NWT has ordered a post-mortem in connection with the death in Fort Smith.

Mayor Janie Hobart said residents of Fort Smith are saddened by the death.

"Anytime you lose someone in the community, it's a loss," she said.

The mayor added people still don't know what happened.

"I don't think anybody is jumping to conclusions," she said, noting the community will have to wait and see the results of the RCMP investigation.

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