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Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABBOTSFORD, BC, December 11, 2006 - A 59-year-old Matsqui Institution inmate died of natural causes last night (December 10).

He has been identified as Jean LaFrance, who was serving a 30-month sentence for property, narcotics and theft offences. His sentence began April 5, 2006.

Staff discovered during the evening that the inmate was experiencing medical distress in his Living Unit cell. Staff kept him under observation while arrangements were being made to transfer him to an outside hospital.

At approximately 9 p.m., escorting staff found the inmate non-responsive and immediately initiated and maintained first-aid and CPR. Within minutes, BC Ambulance and Abbotsford Fire Rescue responders arrived and took over resuscitation efforts.

The inmate was revived and transported to MSA General Hospital where he received emergency medical care. He was pronounced deceased at MSA Hospital shortly after 10 p.m.

Abbotsford Police Department and the BC Coroner's Office have been notified. The Matsqui Institutional Chaplain has notified the next of kin.

Matsqui Institution is a medium security facility located in Abbotsford and houses 326 offenders.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Randie Scott
Assistant Warden, Management Services
604-859-4841