January 4, 2016
Standing Hearing for Inquest Into Death of Ronald Bobbie
A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Ronald Bobbie, 59, of Winnipeg.
Bobbie was a patient living at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre and his medical history included bipolar affective disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and previous suicide attempts. At the time of his death, Bobbie had left the facility without the necessary approvals. On Sept. 26, 2014, he left his mother’s residence in Winnipeg to take a bus back to Selkirk. Later that evening, a passerby heard a man yelling for help from the Red River, north of the Disraeli Bridge. Emergency personnel were called and Bobbie was transported to St. Boniface General Hospital, however resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. The cause of death was determined to be drowning.
An inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner under the Fatality Inquiries Act. Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths for the purpose of finding out what, if anything, might be done to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Before the inquest begins, the judge will decide who can participate in the process and question witnesses. Individuals and groups may make an application to be granted standing and participate in the inquest. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Valerie Hebert, inquest counsel, 204-945-5579 or valerie.hebert@gov.mb.ca by Jan. 18.
The standing hearing will be held at 9 a.m. on Feb. 1 in courtroom 407, Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
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