B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, pictured here in 2013, says there were enough similarities in the deaths to warrant a deeper look.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
When Brian David Geisheimer attempted to harm himself last winter, police apprehended him and took him to the psychiatric unit of Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
Under Section 28 of B.C.'s Mental Health Act, police can immediately take a person to a physician if the officer believes that person has a mental illness and could be a safety risk to self or others. Mr. Geisheimer's father, Daryl, hoped his son would receive the help he needed at the hospital.
But two weeks after being admitted, Mr. Geisheimer, 30, walked away from the facility. He was found dead in Mission on Dec. 28. He had died by suicide, his father said.
"He was not confined or restrained or anything," Daryl Geisheimer said. "He simply walked out the door."
Mr. Geisheimer's death is among three that will be examined at a public inquest, the BC Coroners Service announced this week.
Spokeswoman Barbara McLintock said the inquest is not mandatory, but that Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe felt there were enough similarities in the deaths to warrant a deeper look.
All three died shortly after leaving Abbotsford Regional Hospital, where they had been admitted separately for mental-health reasons.
Sebastien Pavit Abdi, 19, of Abbotsford, died at his family home on April 26 and Sarah Louise Charles, 41, died near her Abbotsford apartment, also on April 26.
The coroners service could not comment on the cause of the three deaths, but Ms. McLintock said none involved foul play.
Presiding coroner Liana Wright and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses to determine the facts surrounding the deaths.
A jury will then have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances.
Daryl Geisheimer said he hopes it will shed light on "what could have been done differently to have intervened with Brian taking his own life."
The inquest will begin on May 16, 2016, in Burnaby.
The Fraser Health Authority did not make anyone available for an interview on Wednesday.
In an e-mailed statement, the authority said it will respond to any recommendations contained in the verdict at inquest. As well, it said it is undergoing an internal review into the three deaths.
According to a 2005 guide to the Mental Health Act, prepared by the Ministry of Health, hospitals can restrain a person who is likely to cause serious harm to themselves or others. However, the Act does not refer specifically to the use of restraints and the guide notes hospitals have their own policies regarding the practice.
Fraser Health did not respond to questions regarding the hospital's policy by print deadline.
Andrea Woo