Inquest called into death of young Indigenous woman at hospital

An inquest has been announced into the death of a young Indigenous woman who died in the waiting area of a Niagara region hospital almost three years ago.

In a news release, Dr. Karen Schiff, Regional Supervising Coroner, West Region, Hamilton Office, announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Heather Winterstein.

Winterstein, 24, died at the St. Catharines site of Niagara Health on Dec. 10, 2021, after returning there following a discharge from a recent emergency room visit.

The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Winterstein’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.

Details regarding the date and location will be provided at a later date, the coroner's office said.