Barry Fontaine (Mackenzie Chapel & Crematorium)

By Susan McNeil

Inquest

December inquest planned for man who died in PAPCC

Nov 12, 2024 | 10:39 AM

How 53-year-old Barry Fontaine came to be found unconscious and later die in a cell at the Prince Albert Correctional facility will be the subject of a coroner’s inquest.

The public inquest will begin on December 9 at the Coronet Hotel and is scheduled to last five days, although often inquests do not take the full time.

Fontaine was found unconscious in his cell at the PAPCC on November 4, 2021. EMS was called and jail staff began CPR until paramedics arrived and took over care.

Staff pronounced him deceased at 18:18 hours the same day.

As is required by law, all in custody deaths must have a coroner’s inquest with members of the jury selected from the public. Exceptions are made if the coroner is satisfied the death was entirely due to natural causes and was not preventable.

Missing persons

Prince Albert missing persons case approaches one year anniversary

2h ago

Shopting Little Red River

Shooting at Little Red puts two men behind bars

4h ago

Election fever

Prince Albert residents head to the polls

5h ago

Inquests are held to establish how, where and when people die and to allow the jury to make recommendations to prevent similar deaths. They are not held to place blame.

Coroner Aaron Fox, K.C. will preside at the inquest.

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com