Family devastated at death of Prince Albert man after incident with security guard in Saskatoon hospital

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.

Read more:

• Patient at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital dies after incident with hospital security
• Security company involved in Prince Albert hospital incident no longer allowed to work at SHA facilities
• ‘Worse than it’s ever been’: NDP sounds the alarm on overcapacity ERs at Sask. hospitals
• VIDEO: One family’s reality of the chaos in Royal University Hospital hallway

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.

In the meantime, there has been an outpouring of support for Dubois on social media.

Metis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2 Director Sherry McLennan was among many posting messages of support. Dubois had assisted McLennan during her last election campaign.

“This kid could make me laugh so much and so hard. He would brighten the darkest days. He was not perfect, none of us are but he was Trevvie. He would go out of his way to help people. Big or small he would do it all,” she said.

Carmen Charles was also a close friend.

“My heart shattered when I heard the news. My Trevor Dubois, I will cherish every moment we had together. The good and the bad. I love you so much, thank you for being there for me when I had no one else; answering my calls at 2 a.m. to hear me cry and vent. Letting me stay at your place when I had no where else to go.”

— with files from CKOM News

Read more:

• Patient at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital dies after incident with hospital security
• Security company involved in Prince Albert hospital incident no longer allowed to work at SHA facilities
• ‘Worse than it’s ever been’: NDP sounds the alarm on overcapacity ERs at Sask. hospitals
• VIDEO: One family’s reality of the chaos in Royal University Hospital hallway