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Trevor Dubois was 36. (Facebook)
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Imitation gun and meth found in hospital room where man died: Police

Jan 12, 2026 | 10:15 AM

Saskatoon police say an imitation gun and methamphetamine were found in the hospital room where a man died during an altercation last Friday.

Those alarming details were released Monday morning and come just hours before the family of Trevor Dubois are scheduled to hold a news conference in Saskatoon calling for answers.

The 36-year-old was in hospital for chemotherapy.

Police say hospital security officers entered a patient’s room after it was reported a firearm was seen inside.

Family members later stated the item that looked like a gun was actually a cigarette lighter that looked like this but was yellow and green. (Submitted)

When security attempted to restrain Dubois, a physical altercation took place. During the interaction, Dubois became unresponsive and was later pronounced deceased.

Sherry McLennan, regional director for Métis Nation Saskatchewan Western Region II was at the hospital for an unrelated matter, but upon hearing news of Trevor’s passing, immediately rushed to the sixth floor.

“His room was like there were pop cans and water bottles all over the floor and everything was all over the place,” she said.

Like many who others who knew and worked with Dubois personally, McLennan said she has many questions, adding the Trevor she knew was gentle and the type of guy who was scared to step on a spider.

“It’s just very hard to wrap my head around all this and to know that he’s gone,” she said.

The SPS Major Crime Section and Office of the Chief Coroner continue to investigate.

SHA response to incident

On Monday, the SHA released a statement acknowledging the grief and loss felt by Dubois’ family.

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) extends our sincere condolences ot the family and loved ones of Trevor Dubois. We recognize the profound grief and deep loss experienced by his family, friends and community,” said the SHA.

In addition to remaining in contact with Dubois’ family, the SHA said they will also keep the Saskatoon Tribal Council informed and provide support.

The Protective Services Officer, who is an employee of the SHA, has been suspended pending the outcome of the review and a related labour relations investigation.

The SHA has deemed it a critical incident, which initiates several reviews and a subsequent report according to their policies.

Because force was used, a use of force review will also be done and SHA has hired a third party contractor to do that review.

NDP response to incident

Over the weekend, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck released a statement about the incident.

“While many details of this incident have yet to emerge, I will note that there have been repeated security incidents at major hospitals in Saskatoon in recent months — reports of threats to workers and patients alike,” she said.

Beck went on to explain over the course of the NDP’s recent healthcare consultation, they’ve spoken directly to frontline workers and to their representing organizations and learned that safety is becoming a top issue for workers at all Saskatoon hospitals.

“We’ve also heard from patients who are avoiding the emergency room due to the chaos there.”

After a Nov. 27 incident involving a weapon at St. Paul’s Hospital surfaced and in consultation with workers, the Saskatchewan NDP demanded an emergency plan to improve safety for workers and patients in the province’s hospitals.

“From what we can tell, the Sask. Party hasn’t acted on this request,” Beck said.

“Let’s be clear — there are many causes of the mounting chaos we see in our emergency rooms and they must all be addressed — lack of social supports in the community, staffing shortages and burnout, and a lack of primary care to name a few. However, safety cannot take a backseat during this chaos.”

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell