ASIRT investigating in-custody death at RCMP detachment in High Prairie

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, a man from the High Prairie area turned himself in to the local RCMP detachment in relation to an outstanding warrant. Police arrested him without incident.

Police kept the man in custody while he waited to be transferred to a correctional facility, as required by the terms of the warrant.

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, after about 30 hours in police custody, a civilian guard found the man unresponsive in a holding cell. RCMP officers and paramedics provided emergency medical care, but the man died.

The Police Review Commission has directed ASIRT to investigate this incident as a Level 1 matter. Under the Police Act, this includes cases involving serious injury or death, or serious or sensitive concerns about an officer's actions.

The information provided reflects what investigators know at this early stage. Investigators will review the June 18 autopsy as part of their investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.

ASIRT is part of the Police Review Commission, an independent civilian-led agency. ASIRT investigates serious incidents involving police across Alberta, including those that result in serious injury or death, as well as potential criminal offences.

This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Police Review Commission.