By Canadian Press

PEI Green party candidate John Underhay and son killed in accident

Apr 20, 2019 | 8:05 AM

CHARLOTTETOWN — Prince Edward Island’s Green party has suspended campaigning for Tuesday’s provincial election, citing the sudden death of one of its candidates.

The party confirmed Friday that Josh Underhay and his young son had died in a “tragic accident” earlier in the day, but no details were released about how they died.

Green party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker issued a statement saying he was bereft when he learned of the deaths.

“Josh has been a dear friend and colleague of mine for many years, as a volunteer, musician, passionate cycling advocate and Green party supporter,” Bevan-Baker said.

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“He has touched the lives of everyone who knew him, including the students he taught, fellow musicians and members of the party … Josh brought humour, enthusiasm and boundless energy to every situation.”

Bevan-Baker said the Greens would suspend all election-related activities for the remainder of the campaign.

The province’s three other major parties announced they had suspended all campaign events scheduled for Saturday.

Underhay, a married father of two boys, had been the Green’s candidate in District 9, Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park.

According to a profile on the party’s website, he was a teacher at Birchwood Intermediate School in Charlottetown, as well as an experienced musician and a student of languages, speaking English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Czech.

“I simply cannot imagine how much (Underhay) will be missed,” Bevan-Baker said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and I know we will all join together to provide each other with support and comfort during this terrible time.”

The Canadian Press