A Windsor grandmother is reeling after her 20-year-old grandson died following a military training accident.
Terri Durand found out Tuesday morning that Private Steven Allen, of Victoria, was inside a “tactical structure” on Monday, training to be a lookout, when the wood-and-sandbag structure collapsed.
"I don't even know if it's hit home yet,” says Durand. “It's a shock it even happened."
Allen joined the Canadian Forces a year ago and had just completed basic training in February.
Durand says he loved his country and looked forward to serving as a soldier.
"He cared so much about life, and he cared so much about his country," says Durand.
Durand says she wishes she could be with her other grieving family members in Edmonton.
"I just felt like I couldn't do anything for them because he was in Edmonton,” says Durand. “I was here, I just felt so frustrated that I couldn't be there for him."
Allen moved to Victoria at age 16.
"Immediately he found a job and he got his own apartment,” says Durand. “He was a very responsible young man and then he decided to join the army."
She says she will also remember her grandson for his lovely personality.
“If there was a bad situation, he would always try to make the best of it," she says.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is looking into the incident and says it cannot release any details about its investigation.
CTV News has learned that the structure that collapsed had been inspected in September and found to be in good condition. Senior military sources said maintenance has been a concern amid budget cuts to the Armed Forces, CTV’s Mercedes Stephenson told Canada AM Friday.
With files from CTVNews.ca
