The family of Nash Prystie has identified him as the man who died in an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) shooting earlier this month north of Kenora, and is calling for more and quicker help for people with mental health challenges.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the death of the 39-year-old, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He was born in Winnipeg and had strong ties to Kenora.
CBC News has been in contact with Prystie's family, who described him as an avid outdoorsman with an infectious laugh and gentle strength that inspired people around him.
“Mental illness is often invisible, complex and deeply challenging, not only for those experiencing it, but also for the people who love them,” the family wrote.
“Nash reached out for help during times when he needed it most, and his experience reflects the gaps that still exist within our systems. We share this in the hope that it encourages change, compassion and better support for those facing similar struggles.”
Nash's father, Kenora resident Cliff Prystie, said he plans to call for accountability for his son's death following his funeral in Winnipeg this Friday.
Police answered call about person in crisis
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates police conduct resulting in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
Around 6 p.m. on March 9, officers responded to a call about a person in crisis at a property in the Ena Lake area.
They tried to negotiate with the man, who had an “edged weapon,” the SIU said in a news release March 10.
“There was an interaction, and officers discharged conducted energy weapons. Multiple officers shot their firearms at the man. EMS (emergency medical services) responded and pronounced the man deceased at the scene.”
It is unclear how much time lapsed between when officers were using conducted energy weapons, commonly known as tasers, and when they switched to using their firearms.
Three investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case, while three subject officials and two witness officials have been designated, the release said.
The SIU aims to complete its investigations within 120 days.
Remembering the person 'beyond his struggles'
About 300,000 Canadians live with schizophrenia, which can affect a person’s ability “to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others,” according to the Schizophrenia Society of Canada.
The society describes paranoid schizophrenia as a subtype of schizophrenia, which may cause someone to experience delusions that someone is plotting against them or their loved ones.
On Tuesday afternoon, OPP responded to a CBC News request about the Prystie case, saying, "SIU has invoked their mandate ... so we won't be commenting."
The OPP posted on social media earlier this month about how it handles mental health-related calls, saying it responds to about 87 mental health or suicide calls each day.
"These situations are often deeply complex and require more than a traditional police response,” said the March 2 post.
“Trained mental health and addictions crisis workers are embedded into each of the OPP Provincial Communication Centres. These specialists provide real-time crisis de-escalation and support to consenting callers, ensuring that people in distress receive compassionate, skilled care from the very first point of contact.”
Mobile Crisis Response Teams — police officers and crisis workers who respond to calls together — help people “receive integrated, collaborative support when it’s needed most,” the post added.
Last week, Nash's family launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the costs of his funeral. A portion of the funds will be donated to the Schizophrenia Society of Canada in his memory.
“Nash was deeply loved by family, friends and everyone who had the chance to know him. He brought moments of kindness, humour and connection that will never be forgotten,” the fundraising campaign page says.
“While we mourn his loss, we also want to remember the person he was beyond his struggles — someone who mattered deeply and will always hold a place in our hearts.”
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