Support worker charged after St. Marys death

A former developmental support worker with Community Living St. Marys and Area has been charged following the death of a 40-year-old woman at a residence in St. Marys last month.

According to the Stratford Police Service, the charges stem from an investigation into the death of the woman, who was pronounced dead despite the efforts of paramedics in a Community Living supportive-living residence on March 11.

Police have charged the former employee with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life.

Media relations officer Const. Darren Fischer said the death was preventable and resulted from the actions of the staff member at the time.

“The death of the resident was preventable and only resulted due to negligence of the staff member at that moment,” Fischer said.

Fischer added there were no concerns about the condition of the residence itself, and police are not investigating any other employees or the organization.

“There was no concern with the living conditions of the home,” Fischer said. “Stratford Police Service is not investigating any other employees or the agency itself. We are grateful for the participation and cooperation we have received from all staff and administration at Community Living St. Marys and Area throughout this investigation.”

Police would not provide the address or specific location of the residence, citing privacy and safety considerations for current staff and residents.

“I can only confirm that the residence is in the Town of St. Marys but cannot provide the location for safety and privacy of current staff and residents,” Fischer said.

In a statement issued on behalf of co-executive directors Kim Monden and Jayden Nancekivell, Community Living St. Marys and Area expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and confirmed the organization has cooperated fully with authorities.

“We want to assure you that we are taking this matter very seriously,” the statement reads. “Upon learning of this incident, we took immediate steps to respond, including notifying the appropriate authorities and the family of the individual involved. We fully cooperated with the authorities as they investigated the matter.”

The organization also confirmed the employee involved is no longer working with Community Living.

“We promptly reviewed our organization’s protocols and procedures. We can confirm there is no ongoing risk to the health or wellbeing of the people our organization supports,” the statement continues.

“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and all those affected. Out of respect for the integrity of the process and the privacy of those involved, we are not able to provide further comment at this time.”

The accused was arrested on April 1 and later released from police custody. She is scheduled to appear in court on May 11.