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Inquest opened into the death of a man in Atikokan

By CJ Goater Oct 30, 2024 | 12:49 PM

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A coroner’s inquest has been scheduled into the death of a man in Atikokan.

Aaron Fisk died in the custody of the provincial police on October 18, 2020.

All deaths in police custody are subject to a mandatory inquest under the Coroners Act.

The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Fisk’s death.

The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.

“Further details regarding the inquest, including the date and venue, will be provided at a later date,” said The Ministry of the Solicitor General’s office in a release.

The SIU investigated the situation in 2021 but Director Joseph Martino found no wrongdoing from the officers.

The reports state that while in custody Fisk fell onto the floor appearing to be unconscious, before he stopped breathing and paramedics were called.

“While it may have been preferable in hindsight to call for paramedics at the first sign of the man’s unresponsiveness, (I) was unable to reasonably conclude that any such lapse in judgment amounted to a marked departure from a reasonable level of care,” explained SIU Director Joseph Martino. “The officers did not have any reason to believe the man was suffering from the effects of fentanyl and methadone. The man had denied any drug consumption when he was booked at the station.”

In conclusion, Director Martino determined neither of the officers failed to provide suitable care and found no basis for proceeding with criminal charges.

According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, inquests generally only take place when all other investigations (police, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, Special Investigations Unit, etc.) and any prosecutions (criminal charges and/or provincial offences) have been conducted and appeal periods have expired.