Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 29/02) - Territorial chief coroner Percy Kinney announced Wednesday that an inquest will be held into the sudden death of Vawn Ruthven.

"There are a number of issues we're going to deal with at inquest," said Kinney.

The 36-year-old Yellowknife woman was a patient at Stanton Regional Hospital's psychiatric unit.

On March 13, while on an escorted day pass, Ruthven failed to return to hospital after attending a support group meeting. She was found dead at a motel the following day.

Initial autopsy results were inconclusive, and Kinney said he is awaiting toxicology results. The coroner's office continues to investigate the death. Kinney did not announce a date for the inquest, but said he is hoping to have it in place by "late summer, depending on what we find out."

A family member declined to speak to Yellowknifer, saying the family wants to talk to Ruthven's husband before making a statement.

Stanton CEO Dennis Cleaver said Thursday that the hospital is already reviewing procedures, and welcomed a coroner's inquest.

"We always look forward," to input on improving procedures, said Cleaver.

He also extended his sympathies to Ruthven's family.

"We have real sympathy for the family, and empathy for the staff involved in this. This is a very difficult time for everyone," said Cleaver.