Family of man killed in Kenora-area police shooting says he'd asked for help, reflecting 'gaps' in the system
CBC
The family of Nash Prystie has identified him as the man who died in an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) shooting earlier this month north of Kenora, and is calling for more and quicker help for people with mental health challenges.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the death of the 39-year-old, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He was born in Winnipeg and had strong ties to Kenora.
CBC News has been in contact with Prystie's family, who described him as an avid outdoorsman with an infectious laugh and gentle strength that inspired people around him.
“Mental illness is often invisible, complex and deeply challenging, not only for those experiencing it, but also for the people who love them,” the family wrote.
“Nash reached out for help during times when he needed it most, and his experience reflects the gaps that still exist within our systems. We share this in the hope that it encourages change, compassion and better support for those facing similar struggles.”
Nash's father, Kenora resident Cliff Prystie, said he plans to call for accountability for his son's death following his funeral in Winnipeg this Friday.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates police conduct resulting in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
Around 6 p.m. on March 9, officers responded to a call about a person in crisis at a property in the Ena Lake area.
They tried to negotiate with the man, who had an “edged weapon,” the SIU said in a news release March 10.
“There was an interaction, and officers discharged conducted energy weapons. Multiple officers shot their firearms at the man. EMS (emergency medical services) responded and pronounced the man deceased at the scene.”
It is unclear how much time lapsed between when officers were using conducted energy weapons, commonly known as tasers, and when they switched to using their firearms.
Three investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case, while three subject officials and two witness officials have been designated, the release said.
The SIU aims to complete its investigations within 120 days.
About 300,000 Canadians live with schizophrenia, which can affect a person’s ability “to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others,” according to the Schizophrenia Society of Canada.
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