SIU clear police in Welland woman’s death

Watchdog terminates investigation

The province’s Special Investigations Unit has terminated its investigation into the death of a 21-year-old Welland woman, who is not being identified, saying she died of self-inflicted wounds during an incident earlier this month.

Niagara Regional Police were called to the area of Rice and Quaker roads in Welland at about 1 a.m. Friday, June 1, after a person reported a single-vehicle crash to 911.

A vehicle driven by the woman had entered a ditch and struck a pole, and police, Welland Fire and Emergency Services and Niagara Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene.

An SIU press release at the time of the incident said when Niagara police arrived on scene, the woman went to the ground face down.

“When the officers turned her over, they saw that she was bleeding from the throat as a result of the woman cutting herself. First aid was administered and the woman was transported to hospital,” an SIU release sent out yesterday afternoon said.

The woman was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The SIU sent three investigators and two forensic investigators to the scene and to Welland hospital to look into the incident.

“It is clear that the injuries resulting in the death of the woman were self-inflicted prior to any interaction with the police. Accordingly, I have terminated the investigation into this incident,” said SIU director Tony Loparco.

Nathaniel.Johnson @niagaradailies.com 905-684-7251 | @DaveJTheTrib