Friends and family members of Trevor Dubois are expressing shock and feelings of grief after receiving news of his death on Friday morning at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.
According to information provided by Saskatoon police and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, hospital staff reported a safety concern involving an admitted patient.
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A physical altercation occurred between Dubois and the security staff, and Dubois became unresponsive. Medical staff responded but Dubois was pronounced dead.
“We are working with the Coroner’s office to determine whether the death is suspicious or not,” Saskatoon police said in a statement.
paNOW learned Dubois, who had moved to Saskatoon recently and was diagnosed last month with brain cancer, was in hospital for chemotherapy. Family members who visited and talked with him last Thursday said he was happy and showed no signs of any distress.
“The loss of Trevor has been a devastating shock to all who knew him,” the family wrote in a statement for paNOW.
“He made a positive impact to so many communities and touched many people’s lives. The overwhelming amount of calls, messages and comments show the kind of person he was.”
Trevor Dubois was well liked. (Facebook)
After graduating from Wesmor High School, Dubois attended the First Nations University and received a degree in social work. At the time of his death, he was working on his Masters. Two years ago he was forced to stop working after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident and suffered physical injuries.
The family explained Trevor had many plans, and was determined to win his fight with cancer.
The SHA said it is taking the incident “extremely seriously,” and is “committed to accountability and to ensuring a safe care environment for patients, visitors, and staff.”
Confirming they immediately notified the Saskatoon Police Service, the SHA said it is fully cooperating with the police investigation and has deemed the death a “Critical Incident,” which initiates a legislated process for review and reporting, including a formal internal review.
The SHA added they are also co-ordinating with Saskatoon Tribal Council to provide support to the patient’s family and loved ones, as well as providing support to staff members impacted by the death.
Family members informed paNOW a press conference is planned for Monday morning at the Saskatoon Tribal Council office.