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By Liam Verster

April 2022 Death

RCMP officer cleared in Vernon death

Aug 10, 2022 | 5:20 PM

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) has cleared an RCMP officer of a death in Vernon.

The IIO was tasked with looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man this past spring.

An officer with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP attended a Vernon residence to transport a man to hospital at around 7:25 a.m. on April 25, 2022.

Mounties say the man was transported without incident.

Video footage then shows that, when the man arrived at the hospital with officers, he went into medical distress.

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Despite life-saving efforts from medical staff, the man was pronounced deceased.

After reviewing the evidence, including a civilian witness statement, video footage and police information, the IIO’s Chief Civilian Director determined that the cause of death was not related to any police actions or inactions.

The IIO investigation has been concluded, though the B.C. Coroners Service independent investigation into the death remains open.

by Liam Verster

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