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Prairies Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEATH OF INMATE AT DRUMHELLER INSTITUTION

Drumheller, Alberta, December 24, 2011  - On December 24, 2011, inmate Nicholas Whynott, from Drumheller Institution, was found unresponsive in his cell. Correctional Officers immediately performed CPR and an ambulance was called. 

The offender was taken to the Drumheller General Hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 3:56 a.m.

At the time of his death, Mr. Whynott, 24, was serving a 6 year, 4 month sentence for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Schedule l & II Substances (x2), Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Operate Motor Vehicle While Disqualified, and Offence Under Provincial Statutes of Alberta. His sentence had commenced on June 30, 2008. 

Next of kin have been notified.

As in all cases where an individual dies while in custody, the police and coroner have been notified. In addition, the Correctional Service of Canada will review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The institution has been placed on lockdown in order to ensure the ongoing safety and security of the institution, its staff and the inmates. The institution will return to normal routine when it is determined safe to do so.  All visits have been cancelled until further notice.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, MEDIA PERSONNEL MAY CONTACT:

Dawn Bancroft
Chief Administrative Services
Correctional Service Canada
Drumheller Institution
403-820-6154 
Cell 403-820-6580