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Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEATH OF INMATE AT DRUMHELLER INSTITUTION

Drumheller, Alberta, December 24, 2011  - On December 24, 2011, inmate Derek Upton, 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 10:37 a.m.

At the time of his death, Mr. Upton, 35, was serving an indeterminate sentence for First Degree Murder.  His sentence had commenced on April 28, 1994. 

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.

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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