Inquest into Mississauga man's death after police well-being check begins Sept. 8
John Brownlie, 88, died nearly two weeks after falling down stairs during a Peel police interaction in September 2023. A jury will examine circumstances of the death.
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An inquest will be held September 8 into the death of 88-year-old John Brownlie, who died after falling down a flight of stairs during a well-being check by Peel Regional Police in Mississauga on September 13, 2023.
Brownlie died on September 25, 2023, nearly two weeks after the incident. According to the Special Investigations Unit, an officer assigned to Peel's crisis outreach and support team responded to an assessment request around 1:30 p.m. on September 13, accompanied by a crisis worker and a mental health nurse. The officer tried to apprehend Brownlie under the Mental Health Act after he shouted and pointed his finger at the officer while standing at his door.
During the struggle inside the home near Dundas Street E. and Cawthra Road, the officer warned Brownlie he might fall down the basement stairs, but Brownlie continued pulling away. The officer lost his grip and Brownlie fell down the stairs. A resident tried to help but was escorted upstairs by one or both of the mental health professionals. Paramedics and firefighters arrived, and Brownlie was taken to hospital, where he died of blunt injuries.
In January 2024, the SIU cleared the officer of wrongdoing, finding no reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed a crime. The inquest is mandatory under the Coroners Act. It is expected to last seven days and hear from about nine witnesses. Bonnie Goldberg will preside and Julian Roy will serve as inquest counsel.
The facts
When does the inquest into John Brownlie's death begin?
The inquest begins on September 8.
What happened to John Brownlie on September 13, 2023?
During a well-being check by Peel Regional Police in Mississauga, an officer attempted to apprehend the 88-year-old under the Mental Health Act. Brownlie fell down basement stairs during a struggle inside his home near Dundas Street E. and Cawthra Road.
How long after the fall did John Brownlie die?
Brownlie died on September 25, 2023, nearly two weeks after the incident on September 13, 2023. He died of blunt injuries sustained in the fall.
How long is the inquest expected to last?
The inquest is expected to last seven days and will hear from about nine witnesses.
