Inquest Hears of Life Support Decision

A coroner's inquest heard from doctors who treated Boden Umpherville in Saskatoon after a violent confrontation with Prince Albert police on April 1, 2023. Umpherville, 40, was taken off life support and died on April 26, 2023, after spending nearly four weeks in Royal University Hospital. Doctors determined he had "no hope for meaningful recovery" due to significant brain trauma.

Neurologists and other specialists treated Umpherville, who arrived in a coma. He had experienced cardiac arrest for approximately 25 minutes during his arrest, leading to brain death due to insufficient oxygen and blood flow. Paramedics at the scene testified Umpherville was restrained and had no pulse when placed on a stretcher, though resuscitation efforts began in the ambulance.

An inquest also reviewed the use of Tasers during the arrest, with five officers deploying them 15 times. While four were warning arcs, 11 involved actual discharges, potentially causing neuromuscular incapacitation. One officer involved in examining the Tasers stated he had "no issue with how that was handled." The inquest is expected to conclude with jury instructions and deliberations.