Date Announced for the Inquest into the Death of Richard Preston

Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner, Central Region, Central West Office, announced today that a date has been scheduled for the inquest into the death of Richard Preston. The inquest will begin at 9:00 a.m., on Monday, September 21, 2026. Dr. James Kovacs will be the presiding officer and Indira Stewart will be the inquest counsel.

Mr. Preston, 79 years old, died on July 26, 2019, at Trillium Health Partners -Mississauga Hospital, after being transferred from the Toronto South Detention Centre.

The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Preston’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.

The inquest is expected to last five days and hear from approximately eight witnesses.

The inquest will be conducted by video conference. Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings can do so live at the link provided below.

https://firstclassfacilitation.ca/office-of-the-chief-coroner/inquest-into-the-death-of-richard-preston.

For more information about inquests, see: https://www.ontario.ca/page/coroners-inquests.