Jon Wells dies in fatal Calgary hotel incident
Jon Wells dies in fatal Calgary hotel incident
Fatal Calgary hotel death of Jon Wells – Obituary
A man who lost his life following an arrest by Calgary police has been identified as 42-year-old Jon Wells, a member of the Blood Tribe in Southern Alberta. The Calgary Police Service reported that officers were called to the Carriage House Hotel and Conference Centre on Macleod Trail SE just before 1 a.m. on September 17 due to reports of a man causing a disturbance.
Upon arrival, police encountered a man behaving erratically in the hotel lobby. Despite attempts to calm the situation, Wells was uncooperative, leading to a struggle. During this altercation, an officer deployed a taser, but Wells remained combative, prompting the use of pepper spray.
After being taken into custody, Wells experienced a medical emergency shortly thereafter. Emergency services attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members described Wells as a unique cowboy with a generous spirit and a warm smile. He was known for his role as the former president of the Blood Tribe Ag Society and as a champion steer wrestler at the 2012 Indian National Finals Rodeo. The Indian National Finals Rodeo expressed condolences, stating, “A great cowboy who will be missed. Rest easy.”
Wells is survived by three daughters, and his family is planning a funeral for early next week.
This incident marks the seventh death in police custody across Canada since August 29. Recent cases include that of Hoss Lightning-Saddleback, who was shot by police, and several others who died in confrontations or accidents involving law enforcement.
Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, the national chief for the Assembly of First Nations, highlighted the need for accountability and systemic change, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation training and culturally sensitive practices within law enforcement.
Members of Parliament will convene for an emergency debate on the issue as the fall session of the House of Commons begins. CityNews has reached out to both ASIRT and Calgary police for further details regarding Wells’ identity and the circumstances of his death.
Jon Wells dies in fatal Calgary hotel incident Fatal Calgary hotel death of Jon Wells – Obituary A man who lost his life following an arrest by Calgary police has been identified as 42-year-old Jon Wells, a member of the Blood Tribe in Southern Alberta. The Calgary Police Service reported that officers were called to…
Jon Wells dies in fatal Calgary hotel incident Fatal Calgary hotel death of Jon Wells – Obituary A man who lost his life following an arrest by Calgary police has been identified as 42-year-old Jon Wells, a member of the Blood Tribe in Southern Alberta. The Calgary Police Service reported that officers were called to…