Coroner's inquest into Sault inmate's suicide death

Jordan Paim, 30, died in his cell at Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre on July 20, 2021. (Facebook photo)

A coroner's inquest into the 2021 suicide of a Sault Ste. Marie inmate began Monday morning and is expected to last five days.

Jordan Paim, 30, died in his cell at Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre on July 20, 2021.

"The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paim’s death," the solicitor general said in a news release.

"The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths."

Eight witnesses will be called to testify, including health care workers at the institution and a local Indigenous provider.

The inquest will examine screening, assessment, treatment and management of people in custody who are at risk of suicide as well as review policies and training of medical staff.

Struggled with addiction and mental health

While the intent of the inquest is not to lay blame and doesn't include his criminal record or reasons he was in custody, Shruti Ramesh mentioned in her opening statement that Paim was brought to the hospital for an overdose Dec. 18, 2020, by police before taking him into custody.

During his intake, he detailed his medical history, including his treatment for ADHD, anxiety and a substance use disorder.

He had been regularly accessing methadone, which continued in custody before starting psychotherapy through Maamwesying.

Over several months, he indicated he wanted to get off the medication but reported hearing voices and having hallucinations.

He was put on suicide watch June 28-30 and was referred to a psychiatrist.

Overlooked and underestimated

Paim was characterized by his sister in a statement on behalf of his family as being overlooked and underestimated from a young age.

Sensitive and fiercely loyal, he turned to drugs to deal with his mental health struggles, her statement said.

The inquest is expected to continue until Friday and can be viewed by video conference.