Family Statement

In a poignant statement released on Friday, the family of Jon Wells, a 38-year-old man tragically killed by Calgary police earlier this month, expressed their sorrow and requested privacy to mourn their loss. "We appreciate the restraint shown by journalists during this difficult time," the statement read, underscoring the family's need for space.

Remembering Jon Wells

Jon Wells was remembered not only as a beloved family man—a fiery spirit who was a father, son, and friend—but also as a remarkable rodeo athlete known across Canada and the United States. His contributions extended beyond personal achievements; he played a vital role as a mentor in the Little Bear program, which aimed to strengthen connections between the Blood Tribe and neighboring communities. “His legacy as a mentor, friend, and cowboy will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the family added, with heartfelt tributes flowing in from the rodeo community and beyond.

Incident Overview

Wells’ life was cut short during a confrontation with three Calgary police officers at the Carriage House Inn on September 17. Reports from the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) indicate that Wells was unarmed and allegedly not informed of his detention when approached by police in the lobby. The situation quickly escalated to physical confrontation, resulting in Wells being tackled, punched, and ultimately handcuffed. Tragically, emergency personnel found him unresponsive at the scene, where he later passed away.

Community Response

In the fallout of this shocking incident, Calgary Police Service Chief Mark Neufeld urged the community to allow the investigative process to unfold, but calls for accountability and transparency are growing. All three officers involved have been placed on paid leave during the investigation.

Concerns Over Police Practices

The Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (CDLA) has commended the release of ASIRT’s findings but expressed deep concern over discrepancies between police statements and ASIRT's report. For example, CPS reported that one officer utilized a conducted energy weapon, whereas ASIRT reported that two officers had deployed these devices. Moreover, the CDLA raised alarms regarding EMS injecting Wells with a sedative while he was restrained, highlighting the necessity for transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.

Call for Justice and Reform

The CDLA emphasized the urgency of understanding how a routine call for assistance culminated in such a tragic outcome and urged ASIRT to investigate potential racial biases that might have influenced the incident. They noted that seven Indigenous individuals have died in police custody in recent weeks, starkly illustrating a broader systemic issue that demands urgent reform.

Legacy of Jon Wells

Amidst this heart-wrenching loss, questions remain and anger brews in the community. As the investigation unfolds, Jon Wells stands as a reminder of the need for justice, transparency, and profound change within policing policies across Canada. The family has pledged to advocate for answers not just for Jon, but for all families affected by similar tragedies—a mission underscored by their belief that no one else should face such heartbreaking loss.