News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

November 22, 2023

Standing Hearing Set for Inquest into the Death of Darren Michael Wood



A hearing date has been set to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Darren Michael Wood, 28, of Winnipeg. 

On May 29, 2021, Winnipeg Police Service members arrested Wood on a warrant. During admission to the Winnipeg Remand Centre on May 30, he admitted to officers he had taken a combination of street drugs and methamphetamine the evening prior to his arrest. On June 1, he had multiple episodes of vomiting and was reported otherwise well. The following day, he experienced more vomiting and complained of pain in his legs and was moved into the medical unit. During a regular check on June 3, he was found unresponsive on the floor of his room. Staff was alerted and emergency medical services responded but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and Wood was declared deceased. 

The cause of death remains undetermined. 

Under the Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner. Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths to determine what, if anything, could be done to help prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future. 

Before the inquest can begin, the judge will decide who can participate and question witnesses.  Individuals and groups may make an application to be granted standing and participation. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Lisa LaBossiere, inquest counsel, at 204-926-1527 or at llabossiere@myersfirm.com by Dec. 22. 

A standing hearing will be held on Jan. 10, 2024, at 1 p.m. in courtroom 408, Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg. 

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