CORONER TO PROBE UKO DEATH

Family pressed for information after body found in Wascana Lake

The family of Samwel Uko is pleased Saskatchewan’s chief coroner has decided to call an inquest into the death of the 20-year-old, whose body was found at Wascana Lake last month in Regina.

“It’s going to shed light on what happened to Samwel,” his uncle Justin Nyee said Friday. “And at the same time we welcome this because the more people talk about this, it will be as a prevention for another tragedy like this to happen to another family. We don’t want this to happen again,” said Nyee during an online news conference held by the NDP.

No date was provided for when the inquest will occur. Premier Scott Moe revealed the chief coroner’s decision on Friday under questioning from the NDP Opposition, which had called on Justice Minister Don Morgan to use his power to ensure the inquest was held.

“We’re very hopeful that these findings will be able to bring some peace to the family and friend’s of Mr. Uko,” said Moe, who added the government and the Saskatchewan Health Authority will co-operate fully.

Morgan said he called the chief coroner Friday morning to inquire into a timeline for investigating the case, which the NDP has highlighted as a symptom of broader shortcomings in emergency mental health care. Uko, who was visiting Regina from Abbotsford, B.C., reportedly suffered from mental health problems. His family believes his death on May 21 was a suicide.

Morgan said the chief coroner advised he already saw enough grounds to hold the inquest even before completing his investigation.

Asked what he expected from the inquest, Morgan expressed hope it will provide closure to the family and help the government improve its “processes and procedures.” Uko’s family has said he sought hospital care twice on the day leading up to his death. On the first visit, his cousin reports being denied access to accompany him due to COVID -19 restrictions.

On the second visit, he arrived under police escort after calling 911 and waited at the hospital for 40 minutes, according to Nyee, who spoke to health officials. Nyee cited security footage that nurses asked Uko for his name, and that he was escorted out after he did not provide it.

While Uko’s family has received some updates from the SHA about his visits to hospital, Nyee said they still have questions and want a full picture of what happened.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili demanded more information on what the government has changed in light of Uko’s death, and what plans it has to improve mental health care going forward.

“From the front steps of this building, we can see where Samwel Uko died. A memorial has been set up on the north side of the lake, a reminder of pain and loss to his family, and the families of all those who lost loved ones to suicide,” said Meili.

“To know that nothing has changed in the months since his death is beyond disappointment.”

Moe responded that he is not going to pre-empt the inquest’s conclusions.

The NDP pushed hard on mental health Friday, with its MLA for the northern riding of Cumberland, Doyle Vermette, issuing an impassioned plea for a more action to combat a suicide crisis. His private member’s bill, which would call on the SHA to design a suicide strategy, was up for a final vote that afternoon.

It was voted down on party lines. Rural and Remote Health Minister Warren Kaeding said legislation was not necessary for a plan. He pointed to the government’s own strategy released on June 8. The NDP has framed that eight-page document as grossly inadequate.

Vermette said he went into the assembly on Friday hopeful the government would change its mind.

“I’m exhausted. I’ll be honest with you. I’m tired. I’m hurt. I’m angry,” he said.