Correction: RCMP in-custody death

We are continuing to investigate the death of a woman who passed away while she was in police custody after being arrested by the Northwest Territories RCMP last weekend.

Upon completion of the autopsy yesterday, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined the age of the woman to be 54.

We initially reported her age as 34 which was incorrect. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.

Due to the complex nature of in-custody death investigations, the conclusive results of the autopsy, including cause of death, will take time to determine due to the extensive testing required. The release of the woman’s name will depend on these results.

We continue to work with the RCMP and the community as the investigation progresses.

No further information is available at this time.

We would like to thank the public and the media for their patience and understanding as we work together to further the investigation.

Original release below

Calgary Police called to investigate RCMP in-custody death

We have been called upon by the RCMP to investigate a death that occurred in custody last night in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories.

At approximately 10:30 p.m. yesterday, Saturday, July 31, 2021, a 54-year-old woman was taken into custody for public intoxication and later died just after midnight.

The cause of death is not known at this time. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, August 4, 2021.

As is standard procedure with a death that occurs in custody, an external investigation is conducted by another police agency. In this case, the Calgary Police Service will be leading this investigation.

No further information is available at this time.