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.

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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.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com