Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre inmate collapses, dies

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Jail staff called paramedics at about 10 a.m. Tuesday morning after the inmate a man in his 50s collapsed and had no vital signs, according to paramedic spokesman J.P. Trottier.

Staff at the jail's health unit performed CPR until paramedics took over and transported the man to hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

A representative of the jail guards'union confirmedthe man had complained he wasn'tfeeling well.

The man shared the health unit cell with two other inmates who were removed from the cell after the death.

Should the Ontario coroner determine the cause of death was anything other than natural causes, the coroner will call an inquest, according to a spokesman from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Should the death be deemed due to natural causes, the coroner may call an inquest at their own discretion.

Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Yasir Naqvi said Tuesday he plans to launch a task force examining issues such as overcrowding.