Family members of a man who passed away following an altercation with security personnel at a hospital in Saskatoon are challenging the police’s assertion regarding the discovery of a fake firearm in his room. Trevor Dubois’ mother, Val Dubois, expressed her desire for clarity on the events leading to her son’s death. Trevor, aged 36, was undergoing treatment for brain cancer at Royal University Hospital, as per his family.
According to Saskatoon police, they responded to a call at the hospital early Friday morning after reports of a man’s demise. Following an alert about a firearm in a patient’s room, hospital security entered and engaged in a physical struggle with the male individual. Tragically, the man became unresponsive during the altercation and was later declared deceased, as stated in a police press release.
Subsequent to the incident, authorities discovered an imitation firearm, along with methamphetamine and drug-related items. The Dubois family expressed dismay over the police’s public announcement without prior consultation, and they contest the existence of an imitation firearm, suggesting it was a brightly colored cigarette holder and lighter.
The family provided media with an image of a similar cigarette holder and lighter, emphasizing that the item in Trevor’s possession was distinctive in appearance. Despite requests, Saskatoon police declined to share a photo of the alleged imitation firearm due to the ongoing investigation.
During a press briefing, family members, along with Saskatoon Tribal Council representatives, lamented the lack of information surrounding the circumstances of Trevor’s death. They described Trevor as a compassionate individual with no ill intentions and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. The family also raised concerns about the training of hospital security personnel in managing such situations.
Trevor, of Metis heritage and a member of the Muskoday First Nation, was recognized for his altruism and support for Indigenous youth dealing with mental health challenges. Chief Ron Bear of Muskoday First Nation demanded transparency and accountability in the investigation, urging for answers and reforms in the healthcare system to address systemic issues affecting First Nations individuals.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority classified Dubois’s death as a critical incident, prompting internal reviews and a use-of-force assessment. The security officer involved has been suspended pending investigations and a labor relations inquiry. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill extended condolences to the family and assured collaboration with Chief Arcand from STC to address the situation.
Recent incidents involving security breaches at hospitals in the region have raised concerns, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and emergency plans to safeguard both patients and healthcare workers. The NDP has advocated for improved security protocols and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.