SiRT continues fatality probe

The province’s independent Serious Incident Response Team is reporting that a man fell to his death from a Highway 125 overpass on Thursday evening.

SiRT’s ongoing investigation is looking at the circumstances that lead to the death of the 27-year-old man.

“At approximately 5 p.m., Cape Breton Regional Police were called to respond to a possible altercation on the overpass over Highway 125 at the end of Upper Prince Street in Sydney, according to a SiRT update issued Friday morning.

“A member of the Cape Breton Regional Police responded to the call and encountered two men on the overpass,” the update reads. “After the arrival of the officer, a 27-year-old male fell from the overpass. He was found deceased on Highway 125.”

As a result of the incident, police contacted SiRT and three investigators were sent to Sydney on Thursday evening.

Desiree Vassallo, spokesperson for the Cape Breton Regional Police, declined to comment on the incident because SiRT is in control of the investigation.

Later on Friday, Ron MacDonald of SiRT, said there were two individuals on the overpass when regional police arrived on the scene.

MacDonald stressed that the investigation is in its early stages and said there are no clear details in the chain of events leading up to the death.

“One officer arrived and he dealt with some individuals and after that interaction, one of the individuals fell to the road way and unfortunately was killed by his injuries,” said MacDonald.

He added that although SiRT is investigating the matter, it does not mean there was any misconduct.

“It’s very important to remember, just because SiRT is investigating the matter, (it) doesn’t mean that anybody has made an allegation of wrongdoing because we have to investigate whenever a serious injury or death occurs that may have arisen from the actions of a police officer,” said MacDonald.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact SiRT toll free at 1-855450-2010.