The Saskatoon Police Service says a woman was found lying in a parking lot in the 300 block of Pendygrasse Road around 6 p.m. on Monday. Upon police arrival, a 19-year-old woman was located deceased. Foul play is not believed to be a factor. The Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service will be investigating.

Tribal Chief Mark Arcand of the Saskatoon Tribal Council says in a statement his thoughts are with the family and friends of the 19-year-old woman. Arcand calls it a tragic loss. He notes the location is near the STC’s Emergency Wellness Centre in the Fairhaven neighbourhood, but the woman isn’t known to the Wellness Centre staff.

Arcand adds that preliminary information suggests the extreme cold was a factor but cause of death has not been provided. He is calling for a whole community response when it comes to keeping people safe in harsh conditions. Arcand says, “Whatever the circumstances, nobody in our community should ever lose their life to the cold. We have to look out for one another and have proper supports and facilities in place to ensure people are kept safe. “