Overview

The Ontario government has officially scheduled a coroner’s inquest into the tragic death of Jamie Deshane, a man who passed away in 2019 following an altercation with Kingston Police.

Details of the Incident

Deshane died on July 23, 2019, shortly after being involved in an incident at a downtown fast-food restaurant. According to reports, police were dispatched to a Harvey’s on Princess Street to provide assistance to paramedics. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was informed of the case when Deshane succumbed to his condition about an hour after being admitted to the hospital.

Investigation Findings

In a subsequent investigation, the SIU concluded that the Kingston Police acted appropriately and found no evidence of misconduct. However, they reported that Deshane's cause of death was cardiac arrest, exacerbated by the presence of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and carfentanil in his system, reflecting the growing concerns surrounding the opioid crisis in Canada.

Inquest Announcement

On November 13, 2024, the Ontario Office of the Solicitor General released a statement confirming that Dr. Paul Dungey, the Regional Supervising Coroner for Ontario’s East Region, would oversee the mandatory inquest into Deshane’s death, as required by the Coroners Act.

Purpose of the Inquest

The inquest aims to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to Deshane's death, with the possibility of forming a jury that could recommend measures to prevent similar fatalities in the future. The Solicitor General’s office clarified that additional information about the date and location of the inquest would be provided soon.

Broader Implications

This inquest not only underscores the tragic loss of life but also highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to address the overdose epidemic gripping communities across Ontario. As the opioid crisis continues to escalate, many are watching closely to see what recommendations may emerge from this inquest and how they might shape future interactions between police and vulnerable populations.