Investigation underway after Sudbury Jail inmate found in medical distress

A 27-year-old inmate at Sudbury Jail died Feb. 11 after being found in medical distress, said the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

A spokesperson confirmed paramedics took two inmates to Health Sciences North on the night of Feb. 11. One inmate was pronounced dead at the hospital. The other inmate was returned to the facility.

“It is not appropriate for the ministry to comment publicly further on this case as a number of investigations are underway,” said the email statement.

Greater Sudbury Police said it was contacted by the Coroner’s office at 1 a.m. on Feb. 12, in relation to a sudden death. Information provided was that an individual at the Sudbury District Jail was found unresponsive and transported to hospital by City of Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services, said GSPS spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn.

“Unfortunately, the 27-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the hospital,” she said.

As this is a sudden death investigation, GSPS is working in collaboration with the Coroner’s office, she said. A post-mortem has been ordered through the Coroner’s Office in order to assist in determining the cause of death. When a death involving an inmate occurs, it is the subject of multiple investigations, said the Ministry of the Solicitor General in the email.

The Office of the Chief Coroner conducts a death investigation to determine cause and manner of death. The Ministry of the Solicitor General conducts an internal investigation to determine whether all ministry policies and procedures were followed with respect to the care and custody of the deceased.

The local police may investigate to determine if the death was the result of any criminal activity. Should the coroner determine that the death was anything other than natural causes, an inquest would be called. Should the death result from natural causes, an inquest would be at the discretion of the coroner, said the email.