Family members of a man who passed away following a confrontation with security personnel at a hospital in Saskatoon are challenging statements made by city authorities regarding the discovery of a fake firearm in the deceased’s room.
Expressing her distress, Val Dubois, the mother of Trevor Dubois, stated, “I just seek clarity. I just want to understand how this transpired.” The 36-year-old Trevor was undergoing treatment for brain cancer at Royal University Hospital, as per his family.
According to Saskatoon police, they were summoned to the hospital on Friday around 7 a.m. CST after being informed of a man’s demise. Police investigations revealed that hospital security entered the patient’s room following reports of a firearm sighting. Subsequently, a physical altercation ensued as security personnel attempted to subdue the individual, leading to his unresponsiveness and eventual death, stated a police press release.
After the incident, authorities discovered a replica firearm, methamphetamine, and drug-related items. However, Trevor’s family expressed shock at the police’s sudden public release of information without prior notification. Val Dubois described the news about the fake firearm as a sudden blow.
The family is contesting the claim of an imitation firearm, asserting that the object in question was a vivid pink cigarette holder along with a lighter. They have shared a photo of a similar cigarette holder and lighter model that Trevor possessed, emphasizing its distinctive pink and lime green design.
When pressed by CBC for a photo of the fake firearm, Saskatoon police declined, citing the ongoing probe. They acknowledged the family’s concerns and committed to providing updates as necessary.
During a press briefing on Monday, family members, alongside representatives from the Saskatoon Tribal Council, conveyed their anguish over the lack of information. Jayden Dubois, Trevor’s niece, lamented the absence of details surrounding his passing and the events leading up to it.
Ryan Dubois, Trevor’s older brother, described him as a gentle individual devoid of any malice. While advocating for a thorough investigation, Ryan raised questions about the security personnel’s training in Saskatchewan hospitals.
Trevor, who hailed from a Metis background and later joined the Muskoday First Nation, was remembered by his relatives as a compassionate and vibrant person who aided First Nations youth grappling with mental health issues in northern Saskatchewan.
Chief Ron Bear of the Muskoday First Nation emphasized the need for transparency and answers regarding Trevor’s demise, labeling it preventable. Moreover, Tribal Chief Marc Arcand criticized the healthcare system for systemic racism against Indigenous communities and urged for greater oversight by First Nations in institutional settings.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority announced that Dubois’s death has been classified as a critical incident, triggering an internal review process. Additionally, a use-of-force assessment has been initiated regarding the security officer involved in the altercation with Trevor.
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill extended condolences to the family and pledged collaboration with Chief Arcand from STC to address the situation. Discussions on facility safety with the SHA are ongoing, with further updates anticipated in the coming weeks.
Recent incidents in Saskatchewan hospitals, such as the banning of security guards for mistreating an Indigenous individual and the introduction of metal detectors following a security threat, have underscored the pressing need for improved safety measures. Amid mounting concerns, stakeholders like the NDP have called for emergency plans to enhance security for hospital staff and patients.