VICTORIA -The BC Coroners Service has confirmed it is investigating the death of a 91-year-old man who died on Dec. 7 after family members found him seriously ill at his care home.

Alfredo Bonaldi died late on the evening of Dec. 7 at Penticton Regional Hospital. He had been in hospital since Nov. 25 when family members found him in medical distress at the Summerland Seniors Village where he was a resident.

The hospital reported the death to the BC Coroners Service, and an investigation was initiated. The investigation is still in its preliminary stages, and it is too early to comment on reports of potential problems arising from Mr. Bonaldi's stay at the Summerland care home.

The BC Coroners Service conducts fully independent investigations into all unnatural, unexpected or unexplained deaths in the province. The investigation will be concluded either by a Coroner's Report that will be available to the public, or possibly by the calling of a public inquest at which time sworn evidence in the case would be heard by a jury.

In either case, the mandate of the Coroners Service is not to find fault or lay blame, but it may make recommendations to try to prevent future deaths in similar circumstances.

Contact:

Barbara McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253