An inquest has been called into the death of a Chatham man that occurred more than six years ago.
Thomas Humphrey, who was of Delaware Nation at Moraviantown heritage, died at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on April 6, 2019, at the age of 35, following an interaction with officers from the Chatham-Kent Police Service.
An investigation was conducted by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) following the death, which found no reasonable grounds to believe that an officer committed a criminal offence.
According to the SIU, emergency services responded to a residence in the area of Victoria Avenue and Grand Avenue East in Chatham on April 6, 2019, to tend to a man in medical distress. Due to the man’s behaviour, paramedics requested that police also attend to assist.
Humphrey was transported to the hospital by ambulance but died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Under the Coroner’s Act of Ontario, a mandatory inquest is required when a person dies while detained by or in the custody of a peace officer.
“The Chatham-Kent Police Service have been actively engaged and will continue to participate as required with the Coroner’s Office in relation to the inquest of the death of Thomas Humphrey,” CK police said in an emailed statement.
Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, the regional supervising coroner for the west region, will be conducting the inquest to examine the circumstances surrounding the death. A jury may also make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.
Further details regarding the inquest, including the date and venue, will be provided at a later date.
