Public inquiry into Grande Prairie man's death in cell cites systemic deficiencies

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNews Public inquiry into Grande Prairie man's death in cell cites systemic deficiencies In his recommendations, meant to prevent similar events, Justice Steven Hinkley outlined five areas that needed to be addressed including individuals assigned to guard persons in custody being required to complete the full guard training program before assuming responsibility for prisoners Author of the article: By Tina Kennedy Published Sep 02, 2026 Last updated 25 minutes ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Derek Glodek, 26, died while in custody in Grande Prairie on February 8, 2021. PHOTO BY TINA KENNEDY /Postmedia Article content A public inquiry has revealed that Derek Glodek’s death was ultimately caused by an untreated methamphetamine toxicity while in a Grande Prairie jail cell on Feb. 8, 2021. Article content His death was classified as accidental. Article content Article content Justice Steven Hinkley heard from RCMP officers, paramedics and civilian guards throughout the two-day inquiry that began March 9. Article content Police were called to a residence around 2 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2021. A family member called for medical assistance. Article content Article content When AHS advanced care paramedic Stephanie Lyon arrived, she found that Glodek was in an agitated condition, sweaty, fidgeting, out of his prescription medications and refusing any medical assessment or aid. Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Lyons said Glodek told her he had been using methamphetamines and hadn’t “slept in days,” and that when he’d learned his mother had called him, he’d consumed an unknown amount of remaining drugs. Article content She testified that Glodek didn’t meet the criteria for a forced trip to the hospital. Article content Const. Colin Grant arrived after Lyons. He’d been dispatched to assist EMS. Article content Dispatch told him the man had consumed methamphetamines and ketamine. He described being in the bedroom with Glodek. He noted the man’s fidgeting but felt he was aware of what was happening. The officer gave him the option of going to the hospital or a shelter. Glodek refused both. Article content When his family asked…