He died in Hamilton's jail within 24 hours of going in. His family won't give up till they get answers
CBC
Warning: This story contains references to suicide.
Standing on a grassy patch and baking under the summer sun, Tangie Gagnon stood next to her daughter, Melissa Dooley, and wiped away tears as she stared at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre.
Gagnon's eldest child, 41-year-old Jamie Dooley, spent his final moments in jail before dying on May 28.
"It takes less than one night to die here, but [Jamie] managed to live on the street for three years without an overdose or even one close call," Melissa told CBC Hamilton, saying his death has been "catastrophic" for her family.
It's been almost a month since Dooley died and questions are swirling about how it happened.
Andrew Morrison, a spokesperson for Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General, confirmed a prisoner died on May 28.
He said an investigation is underway, but couldn't share any other details.
Dooley is remembered for his generosity, his love for family, and his athleticism and work as a sous chef, among other things.
"We're a very close family," Gagnon said.
He grew up in Hamilton, where he was bullied in school and was assaulted in adulthood because he was a trans man, his family said.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Dooley moved to St. John's in hopes of having a fresh start.
His family said he would buy bikes, paint them and give them away for free.
During the pandemic, Dooley's family said, he developed paranoia and other mental health issues. His family suspects the isolation may have been hard on Dooley, who always loved having company.
When Dooley returned to Hamilton a year later, his mental health had deteriorated.
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