REGINA — The provincial coroner’s service will be conducting a public inquest into the death of Regina resident Samwel Uko, who drowned in Wascana Lake last May.
The inquest will begin on Sept. 20 at 10 a.m., continuing until Sept. 24 or all called witnesses have been heard and the chosen jury has deliberated.
Uko, 20, reportedly visited Regina General Hospital twice on May 21, 2020, seeking mental health help. He was allegedly turned away and escorted out of the building during the second visit, for failing to provide his name.
He was then witnessed entering Wascana Lake, where 911 searchers found him deceased later that day.
Uko's family has publicly said they feel his death was a suicide, and that the Saskatchewan Health Authority failed to provide potentially life-saving care for Uko.
The Saskatchewan Coroners Service has the right to call a public inquiry into any unexpected death in the province. The purpose of the inquest is to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The coroner’s jury will also potentially provide recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Coroner Robert Kennedy, Q.C. will preside at the inquest, which will take place at Ramada Plaza in Regina.
