The sudden death of a 40-year-old man of no fixed address at a health facility in Victoria is being investigated by the B.C. Coroners Service.
Victoria police were called to the Sobering and Assessment Centre at 1125 Pembroke St. on Saturday at 6 a.m. after a male patient was found unresponsive.
The Coroners Service of B.C. is investigating, with support from Victoria police and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit.
“Anytime there’s any circumstances that might be considered suspicious about a death, we call VIIMCU to make sure everything is taken care of,” said Const. Mike Russell, Victoria police spokesperson.
Investigators have been interviewing staff and clients from the centre. An autopsy is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Feb. 28.
The man, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was known to Victoria police.
The centre where the deceased was a client is one of four withdrawal management services provided under one roof by the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
The 20-bed sobering facility provides shelter to and assessment of intoxicated clients for less than 24 hours. Hospitals and police can refer clients to the program, or clients can check themselves in.
