BC Coroners Service has officially decided that the public has a right to know more about the circumstances surrounding the death of 16-year-old Elliot Cleveland Eurchuk who suffered an opioid overdose in April 20th.
The 11th grade student of Oak Bay High School died at his home on April 20th after allegedly taking street drugs his parents believe he was using to help him sleep. A mix of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine was found in his system.
The circumstances surrounding Eurchuk’s death will be reviewed at the inquest which will also explore whether or not a jury can make recommendations for how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Witnesses under oath will testify to the facts about his death which will be heard by presiding coroner Michael Egilson and a jury.
Eurchuk’s parents, Rachel Staples and Brock Eurchuk have been requesting this inquest since their eldest son’s death in April.
They have argued that the health care system failed Elliot who was given full autonomy of his treatment after a slew of surgeries, which caused his addiction to opioids before he turned to street drugs.
BC Coroners Service’s inquest will start on June 17th, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. at the University of Victoria (Dispute Resolution Room, Fraser Building).
