44-year-old man found dead in RCMP custody in Pelican Narrows, Sask.

A 44-year-old man has died in custody inthe northern Saskatchewan community of Pelican Narrows.

The RCMPsaid in a news releasethemanwas found unresponsive in the Pelican Narrows RCMPdetachment cell area at about 9 a.m. CST on Monday. He waspronounced dead at the scene.

RCMP have askedthe Prince Albert Police Service to conduct an independent investigation into the death. They have alsoasked the Ministry ofJustice to appoint an independent observer.

Police said no further information willbe made available at this timebecause the death isthe subject of an external investigation.

The name of the deceased is not being released at this time.