The regional coroner’s office is investigating a sudden death that took place in Wallaceburg on the weekend.
Dr. Rick Mann, regional supervising coroner for the region, told the Sydenham Current there is not a lot of information he can share about the case.
“I can confirm the coroner’s office is investigating a death that took place over the weekend in Wallaceburg,” he said.
“It is an on-going investigation. A postmortem examination was performed as part of the investigation.”
He said the family of the deceased is entitled to a copy of the investigative report if they wish to receive it.
Dr. Mann added the length of the investigation will be determined by the complexity of the case.
“Complex cases can take up six to nine months before the investigation is complete.”
Dr. Mann did not disclose specific details about the case or any details about the victim.
Const. Renee Cowell, public information officer with the Chatham-Kent Police Service, said the investigation is in the early stages.
“We continue to assist the corner’s office with a sudden death investigation in Wallaceburg,” she said.
With it being an active investigation, Cowell said she cannot comment on the possibility of charges in the case.
She said in situations like this, police will work in coordination with the coroner’s office and the crown attorney’s office to determine if charges will be laid.
“Right now, we are assisting the coroner with the investigation.”
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services says a coroner is called to investigate deaths that appear to be from unnatural causes or natural deaths that occur suddenly or unexpectedly.
Additionally, a coroner may become involved when concerns are raised regarding the care provided to an individual prior to death,” Ministry officials stated.
The Sydenham Current received several messages from the community about a constant police presence in a neighbourhood located behind the hospital in Wallaceburg over the weekend.
