Family members of a man who passed away following an altercation with security personnel at a hospital in Saskatoon are challenging statements made by local police regarding the discovery of a fake firearm in his room. Val Dubois, the mother of Trevor Dubois, expressed a strong desire for transparency and understanding of the circumstances surrounding her son’s death. Trevor, 36, was undergoing treatment for brain cancer at Royal University Hospital, as confirmed by his family.
Officials from the Saskatoon police reported that they responded to a call at the hospital on Friday morning after receiving information about a man’s death. According to their findings, hospital security entered the patient’s room after reports of a firearm sighting. An encounter ensued when security personnel tried to restrain the individual, resulting in his unresponsiveness and subsequent death.
Subsequent to the incident, law enforcement discovered a simulated firearm, methamphetamine, and related drug paraphernalia. Val Dubois criticized the sudden release of information by the police, feeling blindsided by the details, particularly the mention of the imitation firearm. The family disputes the claim, asserting that the object in question was a brightly colored cigarette holder and lighter, not a firearm.
The Dubois family provided media outlets with a photo of a similar cigarette holder and lighter to support their assertion. They emphasized that the item in Trevor’s possession was distinctively colored with bright pink and lime green elements. When asked by CBC, Saskatoon police declined to provide a picture of the imitation firearm, citing ongoing investigations as the reason for their inability to confirm or elaborate on specific details.
At a press conference held on Monday, family members, along with representatives from the Saskatoon Tribal Council, expressed their grief and frustration over the lack of information surrounding Trevor’s death. They highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in understanding the events leading up to the altercation, believing that his demise could have been prevented.
The family described Trevor as a compassionate individual with a significant impact on his community, particularly in assisting First Nations youth dealing with mental health challenges in northern Saskatchewan. Muskoday First Nation Chief Ron Bear emphasized the importance of obtaining the truth and answers regarding the circumstances of Trevor’s death, calling for oversight by First Nations on institutional matters to prevent similar tragedies.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority classified Dubois’s death as a critical incident, prompting an internal review process. Additionally, a use-of-force evaluation of the security personnel involved in the altercation has been initiated. As investigations proceed, the officer connected to the incident has been suspended pending the outcome of the review and a related labor relations inquiry. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill extended condolences to the family and pledged to collaborate on addressing safety concerns within healthcare facilities.