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Investigation launched after sudden death of Saanich inmate

B.C. Corrections, B.C. Coroners Service investigating cause, circumstances surrounding death
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Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre. (Black Press Media file photo)

An investigation has been launched after the sudden death of an inmate at a Saanich jail.

David Gordon Ivany, 26, was found dead in his jail cell on June 21.

The B.C. Coroners Service confirmed it is investigating the sudden death of a man at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre on June 21. A spokesperson would not speculate on the cause of death or any contributing factors while the investigation is still ongoing.

Ivany had been arrested by West Shore RCMP three days earlier on probation-related charges and was being held in custody while awaiting his next appearance in provincial court in Victoria.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Safety confirmed B.C. Coroners Service, along with police, attended the centre.

The ministry has not released details of Ivany’s death but says it has “zero tolerance” for illegal drugs within correctional centres and has stringent measures to identify and confiscate such contraband.

B.C. Corrections will complete its own review of the circumstances surrounding the death and will not be providing any further details at this time.

-With files from The Canadian Press


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Katherine Engqvist

About the Author: Katherine Engqvist

I took on the role of Bureau Chief when we created the Greater Victoria editorial hub in 2018.
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