Inquest ordered into suicide of Canadian Forces member
The coroner for Ontario's eastern region has ordered an inquest into the death of Jason Renato Simon.
The 20-year-old took his own life in his Ottawa residence in February 2016 after weeks of accessing multiple mental health services, according to a statement from the coroners' office.
The inquest will be held to examine the circumstances that led to Simon's death and make recommendations to prevent similar deaths moving forward.
The inquest is being welcomed by his family and comes mere days after what would have been Jason Simon's 23rd birthday.
His mother Margit said the family has been dealing with heartbreak and unanswered questions. She said health care professionals should have done more to help him.
'Nobody believed him'
"Nobody believed him. Nobody listened and he gave up," she said.
"We're hoping there are going to be some big changes in the health care system that will help other patients — they're not going to be turned away."
Simon grew up in Windsor, Ont., and was studying criminology at Carleton University at the time of his death.
He was also a member of the Canadian Armed Forces with the 30th Field Artillery Regiment.
His mother said he was a compassionate and empathetic person who tried to help others.
"He was like a magnet and a sponge, he just took on everybody's pain and he wanted to help," she said.
The inquest will begin on Jan. 22 at Ottawa City Hall. Margit said she plans to attend every day.
Need help? Here are some mental health resources in the National Capital Region:
Association québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
Ottawa Suicide Prevention: 613-238-3311
