Inquest ordered into suicide of Canadian Forces member

The coroner for Ontario's eastern region has ordered an inquest into the death of Jason Renato Simon.

The 20-year-old took his own lifein his Ottawa residence in February2016 after weeks of accessingmultiple mental health services, according to a statement from the coroners' office.

The inquest will be held to examine the circumstances that led to Simon's death and make recommendations to prevent similar deaths moving forward.

The inquest is being welcomed by his family and comes meredays after what would have been Jason Simon's23rd birthday.

His mother Margit said the family has been dealing with heartbreakand unanswered questions. She saidhealth care professionals should have done more to help him.

'Nobody believed him'

"Nobody believed him. Nobody listened and he gave up," she said.

"We're hoping there are going to be some big changes in the health care system that will help other patients they're not going to be turned away."

Simon grew up in Windsor, Ont., and was studying criminology at Carleton University at the time of his death.

He was also a member ofthe Canadian Armed Forces with the 30th Field Artillery Regiment.

His mother said he was a compassionate and empathetic person who tried to help others.

"He was like a magnet and a sponge, he just took on everybody's pain and he wanted to help," she said.

The inquest will begin on Jan.22 at Ottawa City Hall. Margitsaid she plans to attend every day.

Need help? Here are some mental health resources in the National Capital Region:

• Association qubcoise de prvention du suicide: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
• Ottawa Suicide Prevention: 613-238-3311