By The Canadian Press

Saskatoon hospital patient dead after altercation with security

Jan 9, 2026 | 3:07 PM

SASKATOON — Police in Saskatoon are investigating after a patient died Friday at the Royal University Hospital following an altercation with security.

Police said in a statement they’re working with the coroner’s service to determine whether the death at Saskatchewan’s largest hospital is suspicious.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority said security officers were called to a patient’s room in the morning, after staff reported a safety concern.

The officers were then involved in a physical altercation with the patient, and the patient became unresponsive, the authority said in a statement.

“Medical staff responded to provide patient care and pronounced the patient deceased,” it said. “The SHA immediately notified the Saskatoon Police Service.”

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The authority said it’s speaking with the Saskatoon Tribal Council to provide supports to the patient’s family, while assisting staff who have been affected.

“The SHA is fully co-operating with the police investigation and has deemed this a critical incident, which initiates a legislated process for review and reporting, including a formal internal review,” it said.

“The SHA takes this incident extremely seriously and we extend our sincere condolences to the patient’s family and loved ones.”

It gave no other details and said additional information would be provided when appropriate.

The Saskatoon Tribal Council didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 9, 2026.

— By Jeremy Simes in Regina

The Canadian Press