Coroner's inquest scheduled to look into death of man while

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Coroner's inquest scheduled to look into death of man while in OPP custody in Burk's Falls

Inquest beginning Feb. 12 will examine 2019 death of Mark Smellie

Dr. Joel Kirsh, regional supervising coroner, Central Region, Central East Office, announced in a Jan. 19 news release the date for the inquest into the death of Mark Smellie.

Smellie, 54, died in hospital on March 15, 2019, following an incident on March 4, 2019, while in custody at the Ontario Provincial Police detachment in Burk’s Falls. An inquest into his death is mandatory under the Coroners Act.

“The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Smellie’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths,” the release reads.

“The inquest is expected to last five days and hear from approximately six witnesses.”

The inquest is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 12. Dr. Ronald Goldstein will be the presiding officer and Anna-Rachel Tenhouse will be inquest counsel.

The inquest will be conducted by video conference. Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings can do so live at firstclassfacilitation.ca/office-of-the-chief-coroner/inquest-into-the-death-of-mark-smellie.

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