Published Apr 02, 2025 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute readThe coroner’s inquest into the 2023 death of Colton Clarkin began on April 2. The inquest is scheduled to conclude on April 4. Terrence McEachernPrior to Colton Wilfred Clarkin running from the grounds of Hillsborough Hospital while on an authorized pass and into the woods, concerns were raised by a staff member that he might be a flight risk.That was part of the witness testimony heard on April 2 at the coroner’s inquest into Clarkin’s death. The inquest is being held at the Sir Louis Henry Davies Law Courts in Charlottetown.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentClarkin, of Emyvale, was an involuntary patient at the Charlottetown psychiatric facility when he fled the grounds on July 28, 2023. The following day, Clarkin was found by the RCMP by self-inflicted hanging in a wooded area off the Confederation Trail in Winsloe.Clarkin was an involuntary patient as a result of a criminal matter in provincial court in Charlottetown involving firearms offences on the family farm, said Crown attorney Chee Ng, who presented evidence at the inquest.Based on a psychiatric assessment and testimony by a forensic psychiatrist on Sept. 14, 2022, Judge Nancy Orr found Clarkin not criminally responsible for the offences at the family farm due to mental disorder and ordered him to be held at the hospital.Clarkin remained at the hospital as a result of five further hearings by the Criminal Code Review Board. He was 27-years-old at the time of his death.Hillsborough HospitalFour witnesses testified at the inquest, including Oladiipo Taiwo, a registered nurse at Hillsborough Hospital. He testified that he had concerns about Clarkin being a flight risk. He said he spoke to a psychiatrist about lowering Clarkin’s status so he wouldn’t be given a pass.Article contentInstead, the decision was made to change Clarkin’s status to a 30-minute pass to remain on the grounds accompanied by his father.Taiwo said he started to become concerned the previous day when Clarkin was on a pass and left the hospital with his personal belongings. Clarkin returned without those personal belongings. Taiwo also noted that Clarkin had altered his appearance by shaving his beard.The day Clarkin fled the hospital, he was on an earlier pass to attend addictions treatment in Mount Herbert. Taiwo was concerned with how long it took Ckarkin to return by taxi. Taiwo estimated that the taxi ride should have taken 15-20 minutes.When Clarkin took 45 minutes to an hour to return from the treatment facility, Taiwo had him undergo a urine drug test. The test came back negative. Taiwo also noted another concern that Clarkin appeared anxious.Representing Health P.E.I. at the inquest were lawyers Meaghan Hughes and Maggie Hughes. Clarkin’s family was represented by lawyer Joseph Ur.Clarkin’s parents also attended the inquest. Clarkin’s father spoke in person while an audio statement by his mother was played for the six-person jury. They emotionally spoke about their son and what he meant to them. Clarkin’s father argued that his son struggled with an addiction issue, not a mental health issue. He also said that his son was never suicidal prior to his time at Hillsborough Hospital.Presiding over the inquest is P.E.I. Chief Coroner Dr. Brandon Webber. The inquest is scheduled to resume on April 3 at 9:30 a.m.Article content
P.E.I. inquest begins into death of Coltin Clarkin
