The toxicology reports for two inmates at the Drumheller Institution who died Christmas Eve showed toxic amounts of the drug Fentanyl in their systems.
Shortly after 3 a.m. on December 24, 2011 during cell checks, an inmate named Nicholas Whynott was found unresponsive in his cell.
Correctional officers entered the cell, staff initiated treatment and EMS was dispatched. Whynott was pronounced deceased at the Drumheller Health Centre. The 24 year old was serving a six-year sentence for drug charges.
RCMP were called to attend at the Institution and while they were investigating, a second inmate was found to be unresponsive. Derek Upton was taken to the Drumheller Health Centre where he was later pronounced dead.
Upton was 35 years old and was serving a life sentence for murder.
Corporal Mike Black told inSide Drumheller the toxicology has been completed and both had toxic levels of Fentanyl in their bodies. Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate and painkiller. It is known to be similar in action, but more potent than morphine.
These two deaths followed less than two weeks after Dang Akays Dang was found unresponsive in his cell and pronounced dead at the Drumheller Health Centre. It appears his death was self-inflicted.
As with all in-custody deaths, a fatality inquiry will be held. Corrections Services Canada also said in a press release at the time of the deaths, it would also review the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
