Inquest to be held next month into death of man in the Thunder Bay jail

Kevin Mamakwa was 27 years old when he died on June 2, 2020, while in custody at the Thunder Bay Jail. (Facebook)

A nine-day inquest will be held in June looking into the circumstances of the death of Kevin Mamakwa, who died in 2020 while incarcerated in the jail in Thunder Bay.

Dr. Kevin Miller, Regional Supervising Coroner, North Region, Thunder Bay Office, said in a news release that the inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on June 1.

It will be held at 189 Red River Rd. in Thunder Bay with Dr. Michael Wilson as the presiding officer. Kate Forget and Robert Kozak will be the inquest counsel.

Mamakwa was 27 years old when he died on June 2, 2020, while in custody at the Thunder Bay Jail.

“Mr. Mamakwa was a member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation,” the release said.

Mandatory inquest

“An inquest into his death is mandatory under the Coroners Act.”

The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding his death and the jury is expected to make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.

The inquest is expected to last nine days and hear from approximately 15 witnesses.

Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings can do so live using this link.

For more information about inquests, click here.