Man, 54, dies in hospital three days after arrest in northwest Edmonton; ASIRT investigating
Person lost consciousness during struggle with police near Rapperswill Drive and 173A Avenue on Sept. 16. Off-duty nurse performed CPR at scene.
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A 54-year-old man died in hospital on September 19, three days after losing consciousness during an arrest in northwest Edmonton, prompting an investigation by Alberta's police oversight body.
On September 16 around 7:30 p.m., Edmonton police responded to a report near Rapperswill Drive and 173A Avenue of a man attempting to break into homes and damage vehicles while acting erratically. An officer arrived, ordered the man to the ground, and handcuffed him without incident. Within minutes, the man began to struggle. Bystanders intervened to help the officer restrain the man's legs. The officer called for backup.
Within five minutes of struggling, the man lost consciousness. An off-duty nurse at the scene began CPR. He was taken to hospital in serious condition and died three days later.
Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating. ASIRT is tasked with investigating cases where Alberta police kill or seriously injure members of the public, as well as serious or potentially criminal allegations of police misconduct. An ASIRT spokesperson said the summation released reflects what investigators know "at this early stage" and what can be shared "while maintaining the integrity of the investigation."
ASIRT has investigated 12 deaths involving Alberta police officers so far this year. In 2025, the number was 14; in 2015 it reached 22.
The man's identity has not been released. The specific cause of death, results of any toxicology or autopsy findings, and timeline for completion of the ASIRT investigation have not been disclosed.
The facts
When did the man die?
The man died in hospital on September 19, 2026, three days after losing consciousness during his arrest.
What happened at the arrest scene?
On September 16 around 7:30 p.m. near Rapperswill Drive and 173A Avenue in northwest Edmonton, the man lost consciousness within five minutes of struggling with police after being handcuffed. An off-duty nurse at the scene performed CPR.
Who is investigating the death?
Alberta's Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating. ASIRT investigates cases where Alberta police kill or seriously injure members of the public, as well as serious or potentially criminal allegations of police misconduct.
