Cause of death ruled natural
Chief coroner of NWT cites Beverly Elanik case
in need for homeless assistance
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
INUVIK
An inquest into the death of Inuvik's Beverly Elanik has deemed her death to be natural and reignites the calls for more homeless services.
Beverly Elanik: went into medical distress while in RCMP custody and died shortly afterwards at the Inuvik Regional Hospital on Jan. 10, 2016. A coroner's inquest last week determined the cause of death was natural. - NNSL file photo
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Elanik, 51, died after being taken to RCMP cells Jan. 9, 2016.
She had been found in an intoxicated state while walking around Bonnetplume Road, according to a news release issued shortly after her death.
Elanik was first taken to the Inuvik Regional Hospital, where medical staff deemed her fit for incarceration, and she was then taken to an RCMP cell. At the time of her release from the cell, she was feeling unwell and became very ill. She was taken back to the hospital, where she passed away under the care of healthcare professionals.
The inquest last week, held in Inuvik, ruled her death was caused by hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A major contributing factor was listed as chronic alcohol abuse.
Jurors gave three recommendations in their final report: for RCMP to ensure implementation of policies are followed; availability of automated external defibrillators in public buildings; and for government and community organizations to work together to fund and support homeless and under-housed individuals, including individuals who may be intoxicated.
"This would be done by qualified professionals to work locally with people who suffer from addictions," states the report.
Chief coroner Cathy Menard said the NWT unfortunately sees multiple similar cases every year.
"Ultimately, if we want to end homelessness, the real solution has to come from us as individuals, communities and government," she said. "We all have to invest in the prevention and support of communities as they continue to implement these life-changing efforts."
Asked if a facility such as the proposed Beaufort Delta Detox Centre might save some people's lives in the future, should they be in a similar situation to Elanik, Menard said "totally."
"Homeless shelters alone play an incredibly important role in our society," she said. "Unfortunately, the number of people living on the streets has increased . But a homeless shelter is more than just a means to keep people off the street. Homeless shelters can provide medical care, access to social workers, access to treatment options, transitional housing personnel. It's a huge umbrella that can help people find their way and assist them in accessing these programs."
Menard says the territory still has a long road ahead to assist those who are suffering.
"I think as human beings, it's all of our responsibility," she said.
