Jury delivers recommendations in 14-year-old’s death inquest

This afternoon, a six-person jury delivered its recommendations following the inquest into the death of 14-year-old Brandon Schafer-Kovacs, who died while under the care of the Ministry of Social Services.

The jury called for sensitivity training for Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch staff, clearer separation between client and house operation logs and stricter documentation of all staff interactions with outside parties, including ministry employees.

It also recommended that all mandatory training be signed by both staff and supervisors, with copies submitted to the ministry.

Read more:

• Mother, doctors, group home staff recall events leading up to teen’s death at inquest
• Saskatchewan pushes feds to renegotiate $10-a-day childcare deal
• As mosquito counts rise in Saskatoon, entomologist offers tips to keep them in check

The recommendations will be sent to the Ministry of Social Services for review.

The teen was living at the Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch and was admitted to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital on Nov. 25, 2022, where he died three days later.

The teen has been described as, “very funny” and “mischievous.” (Mourning Glory Funeral Services/Submitted)

The inquest was held at the Travelodge in Saskatoon, and heard testimony from Schafer-Kovacs’ mother, group home staff members, his case worker and members of the social services ministry.

Dr. Gregory Hansen took care of Schafer-Kovacs during the last day of his life, and testified that the teen died of overwhelming sepsis, secondary to a “deadly combination” of influenza A and streptococcus pneumoniae.

The family of 14-year-old Brandon Schafer-Kovacs was at the inquest into his death in Saskatoon. Brandon’s grandma, Cathie Pocha (second from left), said he was loved by his family. Brandon’s mom, Chantelle Schafer, stands in the middle. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

“His life mattered”

Schafer-Kovacs’ family spoke briefly about Brandon during the inquest.

His grandma, Cathie Pocha, didn’t say much, but her words were filled with emotion.

“I just wanted to say that we miss him dearly and loved him dearly, and that his life mattered,” she said.

Christine Libner, the family’s lawyer, said it’s been a difficult few days for the family.

“The inquest has provided a lot of insight into the difficult and upsetting circumstances of Brandon’s last 10 days of life, and it’s left the family feeling a lot of sorrow and grief that they’re still processing,” she said.

Libner said the family is hopeful that the recommendations will be implemented.

“The family hopes that these recommendations will be implemented fast and that they are thoroughly looked through,” she said.

Libner said they’re grateful for the outpouring of support and love from their community.