Authorities are investigating after a Leamington businessman has died in Brazil.

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Department confirmed his death to CTV News.

Media reports in Brazil say Dean Tiessen was shot during an attempted robbery on Saturday in Cubatao.

Tiessen was the president of New Energy Farms in Leamington, according to its website.

"To protect the privacy of the individual concerned, further details on this case cannot be released," says Foreign Affairs spokesperson John Babcock.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the Canadian citizen who passed away in Brazil. Canadian consular officials in Sao Paolo and Ottawa are providing consular assistance to the family and friends and are in contact with the local authorities."