Ontario Coroner’s Inquest Scheduled to Begin May 25 in London
The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest into the death of Drew Pearson will begin later this month, with proceedings set to examine the circumstances surrounding his death following his transfer from a correctional facility in London, Ont.
Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region based in London, confirmed that the inquest is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026. The proceedings will be conducted by video conference and are expected to continue for eight days.
Mr. Pearson, who was 29 years old at the time of his death, died in hospital on Dec. 27, 2018, after being transferred from the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre in London.
The inquest will be presided over by Dr. David Eden, while Indira Stewart has been appointed as inquest counsel.
Inquest to Review Circumstances Surrounding Death
According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the purpose of the inquest is to examine the events and circumstances connected to Mr. Pearson’s death. A jury participating in the proceedings may issue recommendations intended to help prevent similar deaths in the future.
Coroners’ inquests in Ontario are public hearings designed to establish the facts surrounding a death. They do not assign criminal or civil liability but instead focus on identifying contributing factors and potential systemic issues.
The ministry said approximately 10 witnesses are expected to testify during the proceedings.
Public Access Available Through Video Conference
Members of the public will be able to observe the inquest online through a live video conference stream. Access to the proceedings has been made available through a public viewing link provided by the Office of the Chief Coroner.
The inquest comes as oversight and conditions within correctional facilities continue to receive attention from advocacy groups, legal representatives and public health experts across Ontario.
Officials have not released additional details regarding the evidence expected to be presented during the hearing.
Coroners’ Inquests Form Part of Ontario Death Investigation System
In Ontario, coroners’ inquests are conducted under the authority of the Office of the Chief Coroner and are typically called in cases involving deaths in custody, deaths involving police actions, or circumstances where broader public safety concerns may exist.
Recommendations issued by juries at the conclusion of inquests are non-binding but are often directed toward government ministries, correctional institutions, healthcare providers or other public agencies.
The Ministry of the Solicitor General noted that additional information regarding coroners’ inquests and the provincial death investigation process is available through Ontario government resources.
The proceedings into the death of Drew Pearson are expected to draw public and institutional attention as the jury reviews testimony and evidence related to the events leading up to his death in 2018.