P.E.I. Chief Coroner Brandon Webber is presiding over the inquest into the 2023 death of 25-year-old Brandi Clarke. The three-day inquest began in Charlottetown on Nov. 25. Photo by Terrence McEachern /The GuardianArticle contentA coroner’s inquest into the death of a P.E.I. woman from a medical condition related to Type 1 diabetes while living in transitional housing operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is underway 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 contentPrior to evidence being presented and testimony being heard on Nov. 25, P.E.I. chief coroner Dr. Brandon Webber, who is overseeing the three-day inquest, gave instructions to the six-person jury, including that the purpose of the inquest is not to find fault or assign blame or legal responsibility but rather to try and understand the circumstances and make recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe inquest is being held in Charlottetown at the Sir Louis Henry Davis Law Courts on Water Street.Article contentAfter Webber’s instructions to the jury, provincial Crown attorney Chee Ng read an agreed statement of facts. He said that on March 19, 2023, Island EMS attended a transitional housing facility operated by the CMHA P.E.I. Division at 72 St. Peters Rd. in Charlottetown and found Brandi Clarke, 25, lying on her bed.Article contentParamedics determined that Clarke was dead and noted that there was vomit on the floor by the bed and on the bathroom floor.Article contentStaff had called Island EMS after noticing that Clarke had not been downstairs for her usual afternoon cigarette break. Staff called 911 at 4:28 p.m. after checking on Clarke and seeing her lying on her bed. An autopsy the following day found that Clarke died from diabetic ketoacidosis – a life-threatening condition that arises due to a lack of insulin.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentMental healthArticle contentClarke was born in the Iles-de-la-Madeleine and moved to P.E.I. with her family in 2003. When Clarke was 10-years-old, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Clarke moved to Alberta with her mother in Grade 10 and returned to P.E.I. and graduated from high school.Article contentShe returned to Alberta and worked as a personal care attendant in private homes. In 2016 and 2017, Clarke struggled with her mental health and diabetes management.Article contentIn 2018, Clarke returned to P.E.I. and lived with her mother. That year in October, Clarke was treated for PTSD, substance use disorder and psychosis. Clarke had also been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder and borderline personality disorder.Article contentIn December 2021, Clarke moved into Notre Dame Place in Summerside – a facility also operated by CMHA that focuses on the recovery of individuals with mental illness. On March 16, 2022, Clarke was admitted to the Prince County Hospital for an involuntary psychiatric assessment. Eight days later, she was discharged and returned to Notre Dame Place. Shortly after on April 6, 2022, Clarke was admitted again to the Prince County Hospital for another involuntary psychiatric assessment. She was discharged on April 20, 2022.
Inquest underway into woman’s death at CMHA P.E.I. transitional housing
