Winnipeg-based RCAF search and rescue technician died after parachute malfunction

A Winnipeg-basedsearch and rescue technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force diedWednesday during a routine training jump near Yorkton, Sask., military officials say.

Master Cpl. Alfred Barr, 31, was a member of a small, tight-knit group of technicians with the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron.

"News of this incident came as a shock to the entire 17 Wing community," saidCol. Andy Cook, commander of 17 Wing Winnipeg. "It is a very very sad day."

Barr'ssquadron Cmdr. Kevin Kozak said investigators have yet to begin assessing the scene.

"All we know at this point is there was a malfunction, it was associated with the parachute, but there's a lot of steps in place to have a successful parachute open," he said.

Barr'smother,SharonBarr, said she was told her son died when hisparachute failed to deploy.

"The only news we have is his parachute did not open. He was jumping out of a plane inYorkton, Sask.,when it happened," she said.

The Royal Canadian Air Force launched an inquiry intoBarr'sdeath and investigators are set to arrive later Thursday.

Cook said at this time hehas more questions than answers regarding what happened.

Members of Alfred Barr's squadron at 17 Wing share their memories of the "always smiling" search and rescue technician

8 years ago

Duration 1:15

Master Cpl. Alfred Barr was remembered as an "always smiling" and "genuine" member of the Royal Canadian Air Force by colleagues from his squadron at 17 Wing in Winnipeg.

Barrplanned to marry in July

Barr lived in Winnipeg along with his fiance, Steffi Hempel,who is studying to become a nurse.

He is originally fromLethbridge,Alta.

Along with his fiance,Barr leaves behind two sisters and his mother. His father predeceasedhim in 2013.

Hempelsaid Thursday wasa very difficult day,but was thankful for the messages of support she has received.

"I am so grateful of all the happy stories that people are sharing just about how he was," saidHempel.

The couple had plannedto get married inJuly.

"It's a tragedy for her It's very tragic for all of us," Barr's mother said.

"I can't imagine losing someone that you're going to be married to very soon. They had all wonderful plans, so it's very hard for them.

'He was an awesome son'

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff, expressed condolences to Barr's family, friends and colleagues late Wednesday.

"Having had the privilege to meet with members of the search and rescue community, I appreciate the risks they take, day in and day out, in fair and bad weather, to come to the aid of Canadians in peril. This is exactly what Master Cpl. Barr was preparing for today," Sajjan said.

Barr's mother remembers her son as a dedicated member of the military and as someone who always tried his best.

"He was a hard worker and always saw the best in people," she said.

"He was an awesome son."

Winnipeg-based RCAF search and rescue technician died after parachute malfunction

8 years ago

Duration 2:13

A Winnipeg-based search and rescue technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force has died during a routine training jump near Yorkton, Sask., military officials say.