Police investigating after second homeless Nova Scotia man dies in as many weeks

Police in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley are investigating the second sudden death of a homeless person within the past two weeks, prompting a local social advocate to sound the alarm about worsening weather.

Police in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley are investigating the second sudden death of a homeless person within the past two weeks, prompting a local social advocate to sound the alarm about worsening weather.

The Kentville Police Service issued a statement Thursday saying the body of a 52-year-old man was found Wednesday morning in a park known as Miner's Marsh. Investigators do not suspect foul play, but the province's medical examiner has been called in to determine the cause of death.

Last week, the RCMP confirmed that on Nov. 26 a man was found dead outside an ice fishing tent where he lived in Windsor, N.S., about 40 kilometres east of Kentville. A memorial service for William (Billy) Walsh, who was in his mid-50s, is scheduled for Dec. 11.

In Kentville, town councillor John Andrew said the man who died Wednesday was found in a tent, where had been living for some time.

"Because of serious drug-related mental health issues, (he) wasn't able to stay in a congregate setting," said Andrew, who is also the founder of Valley Connect Outreach, a volunteer-run organization that provides food, shelter and compassionate care to those who need it.

He described the man as a kind-hearted, sensitive individual who struggled with his mental health.

"He was capable of having deep conversations," Andrew said, adding that the man grew up in the Kentville area. "He was a deeply spiritual person and also very kind .... He just wanted a place to call his own and to feel safe."