A Parks Canada patrol officer has been killed in an accident at Nunavut's Auyuittuq National Park.

Police say Philip Robinson, 26, was fatally injured when he fell late Tuesday in the Thor Peak area, about 66 kilometres from Pangnirtung.

CBC

Robinson, who had worked for the service since 2001, was on patrol in the Baffin Island park when the accident occurred, said Parks Canada spokesperson Pauline Scott.

"We are all shocked. It's always hard to lose a co-worker," Scott said.

"Phil had many friends as well and we want to extend our sincere condolence to the family and all the friends and co-workers."

The RCMP say it's still not clear how the accident happened and they are continuing their investigation.

A group of tourists from the United States was rappelling in the area at the time, and police are talking to them to gather more information.

Scott says Robinson's death is a big loss for the national parks system.

Parks Canada officials will meet with his family, and the department is bringing in counsellors to meet with Parks staff.

Robinson was originally from Igloolik.