Investigation continues into man’s death after RCMP involvement in Sundre

On Sept. 23, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate the death of a 72-year-old man after police involvement.

At 8:30 that morning, ASIRT officials say the man went to the hospital in Sundre and was seen by medical staff. He was assessed and admitted under the Mental Health Act. Against the directions of medical staff, ASIRT says he then went outside at approximately 10:30 a.m. An Alberta Health Services peace officer went with him and, as he was exiting the hospital, an altercation occurred between them.

The peace officer called police and, at approximately 11 a.m., an officer from the Sundre RCMP detachment arrived. ASIRT says its investigation has determined the police officer and the peace officer spoke to the man outside of the hospital for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and then a physical altercation occurred. The man went into medical distress and medical staff began to treat him. Their efforts were unsuccessful, however, and the man was declared deceased at approximately noon.

ASIRT’s investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the uses of force. No additional information will be released.