Inquest scheduled for death at isolated bus transfer spot

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY SAFETY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

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Dr. David Cameron, Regional Supervising Coroner for North Region, Sudbury Office, today announced that a date has been scheduled for the inquest into the death of Gerard Martin Smits.

Mr. Smits, age 44, died on February 15, 2013.

His body was found near the side of Highway 17 in Serpent River.

The previous evening, he had been travelling by bus to Elliot Lake, and his body was found near the designated location for transfer between buses.

The inquest will examine the events surrounding Mr. Smits's death, including procedures for transfer of passengers between buses at isolated locations during cold weather.

The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths. 

The inquest is expected to last five days and to hear from approximately 10 witnesses. 

The inquest will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2015, at the White Mountain Academy of the Arts, 99 Spine Road, Elliot Lake.

Dr. Shelagh McRae will preside as inquest coroner and Dana Peterson will be counsel to the coroner.

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