Another Barton Jail inmate dies, man found in 'medical distress'

An inmate at the Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre died Thursday after being found in medical distress in his cell, according to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Officials have released few details about the man's death, but Hamilton police say they responded to the "sudden death" of a 34-year-old inmate around 11:30 p.m.

The man's death hasbeen deemed non-suspicious, addedConst. Jerome Stewart.

The investigation has been turned over to the coroner's office, whichwill investigate the cause and manner of death, said ministry spokesperson Andrew Morrison.

If that investigation determines the death was not due to natural causes an inquest in mandatory.

Cheryl Mahyr, a spokesperson for the Office of theChief Coroner, confirmed the office isinvestigating, but declined to provide any details, citing privacy concerns.

The ministry will also complete its own internal examination to find out if its policies and procedures were followed.

Families plan to rally for change

The death comes as families of eight men who died of overdoses at the jail, andwere the subject of a weeks-long inquest, wait to hear back from the ministry about 62 jury recommendations covering everything from drug use and contraband to searches and support programs.

Nearly a yearlater, those families are still hoping the heart-wrenchingprocess will bring change, but the ministry won't respond until May.

The same recommendations have been put forward year, after year, after year and nothing has been implemented.-April Tykoliz

April Tykoliz, whose brother Marty died at the jail in 2014, said she heard about the death early Friday.

"All of us are so upset and devastated," she said.

Just last weekend families who lost loved ones rallied outside the detention centre, demanding changes tothe correctional system.

On Friday, Tykolizsaid she had already been in contact with others who have lost loved ones there and said they're planning anotherrally outside the building's high, orange walls for Sunday at 2 p.m.

She said the families can't understand why it's taking so long for the ministry to implement changes to help both guards and inmates.

"We're just terrified. We don't understand there are problems that are very apparent, they've been going on for so many years and those don't need to wait," Tykolizexplained.

"The same recommendations have been put forward year, after year, after year and nothing has been implemented."