The public inquest continues into the death of Samwel Uko, who died on May 21, 2020 at the age of 20, in Regina. Jury members heard from witnesses say the young athlete showed signs of anxiety on that fateful day.
Samwel Uko was taken to Regina General Hospital in the morning, but did not receive treatment.
The lifeless body of the young man was found in Wascana Lake on the night of May 21, 2020.
Saskatchewan Coroner Robert Kennedy has been leading a public investigation since Monday to better understand the facts about Samwel Uko’s death. He will then make recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.
One of the witnesses heard on Tuesday was Amanda Johansen, a former teaching assistant at Abbotsford High School who Samwel Uko attended until her graduation in 2018.
He explained that Samwel Uko sent some distress messages through the Facebook platform including I need help.
Amanda Johansen explained that many people saw her messages and called her. He remembers Samwel Uko as a quiet young man with a smile on his face and said he was not familiar with his mental health issues that day.
” I think we had no idea the extent of the problem he was facing, but we knew he needed help. “
Another education assistant at Abbotsford High School, Nancy Klop, also said Samwel Uko’s comments on social media were inconsistent.
He remembered Samwel Uko as a student who was loved and highly valued by his colleagues.
Testimonial from a nurse in the emergency room
The jury also heard testimony from emergency room nurse Scott Harrison. He was the first to examine Samwel Uko when he arrived at Regina General Hospital at 9:45 a.m. on May 21, 2020.
He said that Samwel Uko seemed to back off, but had no problem answering his questions.
Scott Harrison added that the young man told him about his suicidal thoughts and mentioned that he had a car accident on June 3, 2019.
Shortly after this first consultation, Samwel Uko was cared for by another nurse.
Scott Harrison said changes have been made to allow every patient who goes to the emergency room to see a nurse and a doctor to save someone else from what happened to Samwel Uko.
A total of 25 witnesses were called to speak at this public inquiry that would last a week or more.
There is information from Laura Sciarpelletti
Source: Radio-Canada
