Four-year-old from Ivujivik dies in Montreal after days of severe pain, coroner opens inquest

A four-year-old boy from Ivujivik in Nunavik died in Montreal on August 3 after experiencing severe abdominal pain for several days, prompting a coroner's investigation into the circumstances of his death and access to healthcare in the remote Arctic region.

Jusi Padlayat's family sought medical care multiple times before he was found unconscious at home on August 1. Emergency responders transported him to the CLSC, and he was then evacuated to Montreal for treatment. He died two days later at a Montreal hospital. His family believes he may have suffered from appendicitis, though this has not been confirmed.

In the days before his death, Padlayat's grandmother posted pleas for help on Facebook on July 31, indicating the family was searching for medical assistance. The posts drew attention from the community as the child's condition worsened.

The Nunavik Police Service said in a statement: "Our thoughts are with the child's family during this very difficult time. I can confirm that on August 1, 2026, the Nunavik Police Service responded to a medical assistance call involving a four-year-old child who was unconscious at his residence in Ivujivik. As they responded, emergency medical services were already transporting the child to the CLSC. Our records do not indicate any other calls for service involving the child prior to August 1."

The coroner has mandated an investigation. "A coroner has been mandated to conduct an investigation to shed light on the causes and circumstances surrounding the child's death," said Jake Lamotta Granato, communications officer for the Coroner's Office. "At the end of her investigation, if she deems it appropriate, the coroner may also make recommendations. These are preventive measures that aim to protect human life and prevent deaths in similar circumstances."

The Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services confirmed a multidisciplinary internal review is underway, with involvement from multiple external parties. "The IHC clinical directorates have been mobilized, and a multidisciplinary review of the case has been initiated," the board said. "Independent and external processes are also underway. The coroner responsible for the case has initiated her investigation, the Office of the Service Quality and Complaints Commissioner is involved, and an independent medical examiner external to the IHC will also review the case."

The death has renewed focus on healthcare access in Nunavik, where many remote communities lack hospitals and rely on medical evacuations for serious cases. Federal MP Mandy Gull-Masty, whose constituency covers Nunavik, issued a statement: "Inuit families and communities should have access to safe and reliable health care, especially children and youth, who are the future of our communities. We expect the Quebec government and the medical personnel involved to treat this situation with the utmost seriousness. The system must provide answers to the family and the community, while working to prevent such tragedies in the future."