Autopsy completed on man who died in police cell

The autopsy of a man who died in the Saskatoon Police Service’s detention unit has been completed, but police say the results won’t be released until toxicology screening is done–a process they say could take several months.
 
Michael Ryan, 38, was arrested Feb. 26 and charged with breaching court conditions and outstanding warrants. Officers picked him up around 12:20 p.m. at the intersection of 22nd Street and Avenue P, following reports of a man running into oncoming traffic. Police reported that the man showed signs of being intoxicated, and family members told CKOM News that Ryan struggled with substance abuse.
 
Detention unit staff found Ryan unresponsive in his cell around 3:20 p.m. Paramedics and the fire department were called, but he was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

In a media release, police said the government has appointed an independent party to supervise the investigation by the SPS major crimes unit and the chief coroner’s office.

Once those investigations are complete, the Office of the Chief Coroner will schedule an inquest into Ryan’s death. A spokesperson with the Ministry of Justice said it’s too early to know when that will take place.