Coroner’s inquest will determine how a 31-year-old man died in a Sask. prison cell

The men's maximum security unit of the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert, Sask., is shown in a Jan. 23, 2001 photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Thomas Porter)

A coroner’s inquest next month is expected to reveal how and why a 31-year-old man died in a Saskatchewan prison cell in 2022.

Brendan Vermette, 31, was found unconscious in his cell at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary on March 9, 2022. In a news release, the province said correctional staff attempted first aid before paramedics arrived to take over his care.

Vermette was pronounced dead shortly after. He was serving a sentence of two years and eight months for drug trafficking.

The inquest, which is scheduled to run from March 18 to 21 at the Coronet Hotel in Prince Albert, will likely hear testimony from staff involved in his care and a report from a forensic pathologist.

A jury of civilians will hear the evidence and make the final determination of how and why he died – and potentially, recommendations for how to prevent such an in-custody death in the future.

Coroner Blaine Beaven will preside.