News release

Death in Yellowknife RCMP custody under investigation

March 20, 2026 - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

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The Saskatchewan RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit, part of the Major Crimes Branch, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 35-year-old male while in Yellowknife RCMP custody.

At approximately 6:50 a.m., on March 19th, the Yellowknife RCMP were dispatched to respond to a report of threats at the Explorer Hotel.

Officers attended and determined that a 35-year-old, originally from Nunavut, had assaulted a female. The man was displaying signs of impairment and was apprehended without incident.

He was transported to Yellowknife RCMP, and officers requested an assessment by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), who cleared him for incarceration.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., the male was found unresponsive in his cell. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately initiated, and EMS were called to assist. The man was transported to Stanton Territorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

When an incident results in death or serious injury, the RCMP Act – the legislation that governs the RCMP – requires an investigation be conducted by an external agency. The Northwest Territories RCMP has requested the Saskatchewan RCMP conduct the external investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

A team of investigators from Saskatchewan RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit deployed to Yellowknife. Saskatchewan RCMP’s investigation will review police actions throughout this incident, including the events leading up to and during the man’s arrest and detention.

The investigation is ongoing in collaboration with the Northwest Territories Office of the Chief Coroner.

As this investigation is still in its early stages, no further comments will be made until the matter has been concluded.

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