The chief of Vancouver Island's Ditidaht First Nation is asking Seattle police to explain why one of its officers shot a member of their community dead.

John Williams, a 50-year-old member of the Ditidaht people, died Thursday after he was approached by a police officer in downtown Seattle.

A talented wood carver who had his work displayed in a Seattle-area gallery, Williams was carrying a three-inch blade in one hand and a piece of wood in the other.

The officer, Ian Birk, reportedly asked Williams to drop the knife several times. When he failed to do so Birk fired several rounds into Williams' chest.

Police say Williams "made advances" on the officer. But Ditidaht Chief Jack Thompson suggested the shooting may have come about because Williams was hard of hearing.

"I hope the police would find it in their hearts to do the right thing with regards to justifying what they've done to this young man that had a hearing problem," said Ditidaht Chief Jack Thompson.

Williams' death has sparked anger in Seattle. Hundreds of people gathered for a candle-lit vigil there Thursday night, demanding a full inquiry.

"We are angry and outraged that his life was interrupted for seemingly no reason," said Jenine Grey, of the Chief Seattle Club.

Williams came from a long line of carvers on Vancouver Island, where news of his death was met with shock and outrage.

"This situation is very tragic," said Terry Edgar, a member of the Ditidaht First Nation who lives near Port Renfrew, B.C. "A man was killed and there were situations there that may have been overlooked."

Birk has been placed on paid leave while Seattle police investigate the shooting.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Bal Brach