Inquest called into death of Gerard Smits

An inquest will be held into the death of Gerard Martin Smits, 44, whose body was found near the side of Highway 17 in Serpent River on Feb. 15, 2013, said Dr. David Eden, acting Regional Supervising Coroner for North region, Sudbury office.

The night before his body was found, Smits had been travelling by bus to Elliot Lake. His body was found near the designated location for transfer between buses.

The inquest will examine the events surrounding Smits' death, including procedures for transfer of passengers between buses at isolated locations during cold weather. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.

The inquest is expected to last five days and to hear from approximately 10 witnesses.

Dr. Shelagh McRae will preside as inquest coroner and Dana Peterson will be counsel to the coroner.

Details regarding the date and location will be announced when the information becomes available.