Abbotsford, B.C. student dies during Whistler ski trip

MEI Secondary school in Abbotsford, B.C. confirms that one of itsstudent has died during a ski trip to Whistler.

The Mennonite Educational Institute says 11 students and two staff members had travelled to the resort with the school'sski and snowboardclub when a student was reported missing on Friday.

"That afternoon, MEI was notified that one student was missing which resulted in a search by Whistler personnel," said MEI administratorVijayManuel.

Members of the group were supposed to report in at 3 p.m. PT, but didn't.

" At that point Whistler personnel began searching...then late last night we received word that he had been found and he was deceased," said Manuel.

He did not say how the student died.

"I'd really want to protect thefamily."

The school was open on Saturday as grief counsellors were brought in for classmates and staff.

"Peopleareheretoday out of love andrespectfor him and his family," said Manuel.

With files from Deborah Goble