‘She loved to learn’: Sask. inquest to determine how a 25-year-old woman died in custody

WATCH: An inquest will be held next month to determine how a 25-year-old woman died in custody at Pinegrove Correctional Centre three years ago.

A provincial coroner will lead an inquest next month to determine how a 25-year-old inmate died after being hospitalized in 2022.

Rayleen Angus Besic was found unconscious in her cell at the Pine Grove Provincial Correctional Centre north of Prince Albert on April 15, 2022, the Ministry of Justice said in a news release.

Staff attempted life-saving efforts as they waited for paramedics to arrive. Besic was taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment, where she was pronounced dead the following day.

An online obituary describes Besic as a woman who loved to travel and who was keen to learn about her traditional roots. Besic cherished her family and always looked forward to taking her daughter to pow wows to practice her jingle dress dancing, the obituary says.

The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is tasked with investigating all sudden, unexpected deaths. A coroner’s inquest is called anytime someone dies while in custody, unless the coroner is satisfied the death was entirely due to natural causes.

Lawyer Brent Gough will preside over the inquest as coroner, helping a jury of civilians to determine the cause and circumstances of Besic’s death. The jury will also be able to offer recommendations to help prevent similar deaths in the future.