Stony Rapids RCMP have requested an independent investigation after a sudden death early Saturday morning.

Police were called to a residence in the community around 5:15 a.m. When officers arrived, a man related to the complaint tried to evade police on foot, RCMP said in a press release. The man ended up in a body of water and disappeared under the surface. Efforts to find the man were unsuccessful and police believe he drowned. Recovery efforts continue.

Saskatchewan RCMP has requested an independent, external investigation about this incident. The RCMP has also requested that the Ministry of Justice appoint an independent observer.

The Prince Albert Police Service will conduct the independent investigation.