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Saskatoon police have released more information about the death of a patient at Royal University Hospital on Friday.
CBC News has confirmed the deceased is Trevor Dubois. Friends and family have posted about the death, although Saskatoon police and the Saskatchewan Health Authority have not released the name of the deceased.
In a news release, Saskatoon Police say officers were called to the hospital shortly after 7 a.m. CST, after receiving reports that a man had died.
Investigators have determined that hospital security entered a patient’s room after it was reported a firearm was seen inside.
“When security attempted to restrain the male, a physical altercation took place. During the interaction, the male became unresponsive and was later pronounced deceased,” the news release said.
After the incident, police found an imitation firearm, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Police say its investigation is ongoing.
The news release comes as Dubois’ family and the Saskatoon Tribal Council are set to hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. on Monday.
Patient was in hospital for cancer treatment
In a statement, Dubois’ family said he had made a positive impact in many communities and helped a lot of people.
At the time of his death, Dubois was in hospital undergoing chemo treatment for brain cancer.
The family wants answers about what happened in the patient room leading up to the altercation, and believes the death was preventable.
“We were left in the dark about what led up to this event resulting in the horrific death of Trevor,” the family statement said.
“He wasn’t known for any violence and had an infectious laugh that will forever be remembered by everyone who knows him.”
The Saskatchewan Health Authority has said Dubois’ death has been deemed a critical incident, which initiates a legislated process that includes a formal internal review.
Last month, the SHA promised to work with Prince Albert Grand Council to hire an Indigenous patient liaison to work in the Victoria Hospital emergency department after security guards evicted a man from the building and left outside in the cold. The contracted security guards involved are now banned from working in SHA facilities.
In November, Saskatoon police arrested a man who brought knives and a gun into St. Paul’s Hospital and threatened staff, prompting the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses to call for metal detectors in all hospitals.
A pilot project will use artificial intelligence technology to detect weapons at Royal University Hospital, the SHA said in December.
The NDP also demanded the province develop an emergency plan to improve safety for workers and patients in hospitals.
