Death at Sault Area Hospital under investigation

While few details are being released, local authorities have confirmed that an investigation into a death at Sault Area Hospital is currently underway.

"All I can tell you is that an incident did indeed occur which is now the subject of a coroner’s investigation," hospital spokesperson Mario Paluzzi noted in an e-mail response to SooToday.com this morning.

Sault Ste. Marie Police Services subsequently confirmed that it is assisting the coroner's office with the investigation.

According to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services: "Coroners are called to investigate deaths that appear to be from non-natural causes. They also look into some natural deaths, such as those that happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Coroners may be involved when people have concerns about the care provided before death.

"Coroners are also called for all deaths of people in custody, for many deaths in long-term care facilities, and if the death happens on a work site.

"These types of deaths are also referred to as reportable deaths, because they must be reported to a coroner."