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Inquest being held in Kohalyk death
The death of a Cranbrook man last January in the holding cells of the Cranbrook RCMP detachment is being taken before a BC Coroners Service public inquest.
The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General/BC Coroners Service (BCCS) announced August 22 that the Jan. 3 death of Collan Kohalyk, 36, will head to court to determine facts surrounding the incident.
Kohalyk was reported to have been found in medical distress in a cell but “despite medical intervention” he died, the BCCS stated in its press release.
“Presiding Coroner T. E. Chico Newell and a jury will hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses to determine the facts surrounding this death. The jury will have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances in the future,” the BCCS release explained.
An inquest is a formal court sitting that allows for public presentation of evidence relating to a death, the BCCS release noted, adding that it “is an independent fact-finding agency that may not make any finding of legal responsibility.”
The inquest venue and date will be announced by an updated media advisory and posted on the BC Coroners Service website once confirmed.
Kohalyk was living in Cranbrook at the time of his death, but he spent most of his life in Golden and was born Quesnel.
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