Inquest examines 2018 death of David Gourley, 57, after OPP Taser incident in Parry Sound. Hearings focus on police actions and medical findings.
Inquest Opens Into Sudbury Man’s Death After Police Encounter
An Ontario coroner’s inquest has begun in Parry Sound, probing the 2018 death of David Gourley, a 57-year-old man who died five days after being Tasered by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The four-day hearing aims to review the events leading to his death and examine whether changes to policy or training are needed.
Sudden Street Incident in Parry Sound
On July 12, 2018, OPP officers responded to reports of a man running into traffic and attempting to enter vehicles at the busy intersection of Bowes and Beaver Streets in Parry Sound. Detective Constable Adam Hemming testified he recognized Gourley from past encounters related to substance use and believed he was in a state of psychosis.
Confrontation and Restraint Efforts
According to police testimony, Gourley crawled under an idling vehicle, ignored repeated commands, and resisted attempts to remove him. Detective Constable Matt St. Amant recalled recognizing him as “Diamond Dave” from local radio ads, a familiar figure in the small community. Officers said he was unresponsive to verbal commands, leading one officer to deploy a Taser in “drive stun” mode twice to gain control.
Policy Compliance and Officer Actions
Sgt. Rich Brockman, an OPP Taser instructor, testified the officers acted within provincial use-of-force guidelines. Gourley was eventually restrained with handcuffs and leg restraints before being carried to a safer location to await paramedics.
Emergency Medical Response
Paramedic Kieran Babbage told the inquest that Gourley was uncooperative during ambulance transport, preventing vital sign checks, but did not display physical aggression. He was first treated at a Parry Sound hospital before being airlifted to Sudbury the next day.
Medical Findings and Cause of Death
Gourley died in Sudbury hospital on July 17, 2018. His death was attributed to complications from rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown condition—linked to prolonged cocaine use. The inquest will also hear from a forensic pathologist before concluding later this week.
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