ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – MEI Secondary School in Abbotsford says one of its students has died while on a school trip to Whistler.

The student was among 11 students and two staff who made the trip as a part of the MEI Secondary Ski and Snowboard Club.

The student went missing on the hill, prompting resort staff to launch a search.

MEI says the searchers informed the school of the tragic news, and the head of the school says work is being done to help the students, parents, and teachers cope with this tragedy.

“MEI was notified that one student was missing which resulted in a search by Whistler personnel.  The results of the search led to the devastating news that our student had died.  MEI is working with our staff, students, parents, and supporting community to process this tragic news.” – MEI.

Head of Schools for MEI Vijay Manuel says the school is now trying to help students, parents and staff deal with this tragedy.

“There’s questions, there’s always things that everyone’s asking but our focus has to become — there’s a family that has an empty bedroom,” he tells NEWS 1130, his voice breaking. “That is absolutely the focus. How do we care for that family?”

He says the school will be open today with grief counsellors on site.