(updated 10:41 a.m.)

Ray Mitsuing, who it was announced earlier this month, was being inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, has died unexpectedly. Devin Mitsuing, one of his four sons, has confirmed on social media that his father has passed saying, “My heart is broken.”

Photo credit Facebook Lynsay Kurjata Nair

The Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association stated, ” The Chuckwagon world is in mourning with the sudden passing of “The Chief,” Ray Mitsuing. Ray’s accomplishments on the track are many, spanning a 36-year long career. He has a legacy that is cemented in both the hearts of his fans, as well as the history books, as he is set to be inducted in the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Ray was a great man on the track and an even better man off the track. He was always willing to lend a hand and pass on his knowledge. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. ”

Details are limited but the Saskatchewan RCMP say that at approximately 4:30 p.m., Loon Lake RCMP received a report of a sudden death at a home on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. Officers attended and located a man who was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. The death is considered non-suspicious, and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service is investigating.

Photo Credit: Facebook Lynsay Kurjata Nair

With a 36-year-career and seven-time Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association champion, Ray Mitsuing was also a Chief of the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. Ray Mitsuing will be posthumously inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame during the official ceremony in September and is the first Chuckwagon driver ever inducted.