Forgotten 911 Call Factor In Canepotatoe’s Death
Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 15:20
The RCMP have released the results of their investigation into 911 calls that did not get acted upon –- and cost a woman her life.
In April, two women and two children were travelling to Loon Lake from Prince Albert when their car became stuck in the mud on a logging road near Big River.
The women asked for a tow truck, but RCMP officials say no tow truck was ever sent because the 911 operator handling the call forgot about it.
Chief Superintendent Randy Beck of “F” Division says he has expressed to the families involved his deepest sympathy and regrets for their loss, adding: “We did not live up to their expectations or the standards we have set for ourselves, and for that we apologize”.
Beck also says supervisors now have a greater role in dispatching calls.
Nineteen-year-old Kerry Canepotatoe died of exposure on a northern road while trying to get help for Melissa Rabbitskin and the two children.
Rabbitskin and the kids remained in the vehicle, but were stranded for seven days before rescuers found them.