Bishop's University student, 21, falls to his death in Dominican Republic

A Bishop's University student who died in an accident in the Dominican Republic is being remembered by his parents as a "treasured young man" who left an "indelible impression" on those he met.

Ben Houtman, a 21-year-old native of Vancouver, was part of a group of 30 students from the university who went on vacation near Santo Domingo. The trip was not organized by the university.

Houtman died in an "accident fall" at the Hamaca Beach resort, according to a joint statement released by his family and the university.

"It was an unfortunate accident that could have happened anytime, anywhere," his parents said in the statement.

"Ben was enjoying himself in the prime of his life. He loved travel, camping, sports and music and especially loved bringing people together."

Bishop's has sent its dean of student affairs,Stine Linden-Andersen,to the Dominican Republic to provide support to the students.

"Our priority, naturally at the outset is to be supportive to his parents, family and our students," Bishop's principal Michael Goldbloom told CBC News.

"The reality is, for most young people, this may be their first experience with someone that they know dying," he added.

The university will be offering psychological services to its students.

Houtman had been a student at the university since 2014.

Global Affairs Canada spokesperson Brendan Suttonsaid support is available to families through the Canadian embassy based in Santo Domingo.