A Saskatoon family will be looking for answers as a public inquest into the death of a 14-year-old boy begins today.
Brandon Schafer-Kovacs died on November 25, 2022 while living in a Saskatoon group home. He was under the care of the Ministry of Social Services at the time.
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According to a the provincial government, Section 19 of The Coroners Act, 1999 states that the Chief Coroner may direct that an inquest be held into the death of any person.
“The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths. The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner’s jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.”
Lawyer Christine Libner has issued a news release on behalf of the Kovacs family. It describes Brandon as a kind, loving, and inquisitive boy.
“He constantly showed concern for others and loved playing pranks, especially on his adoring grandfather. The family is deeply frustrated by how difficult it has been to get answers as to what happened to Brandon and why.
“They hope this process provides those answers and leads to recommendations that will help prevent similar deaths.”
An online obituary posted by Mourning Glory Funeral Services also described the teenager as someone with a great vocabulary, and who was quick to share his “random trivia.”
The letter from Libner goes on to say that the family wants to honour Brandon’s memory and hopes for systemic changes to “keep children safe in the Ministry’s care.”
The inquest will take place at Saskatoon’s Travelodge Hotel at 10 a.m. Coroner Blaine Beaven will preside.
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