Weather delays autopsy after sudden death in Resolute Bay

The body of a 35-year-old Resolute Bay man who died suddenly was sent to Edmonton for an autopsy.

Michael Pudluk died on Oct. 8 after seeking medical attention at the community health centre. The cause of death and past medical history will remain confidential until a forensic specialist completes the autopsy, said administrative coroner Tim Neily.

Foul play is not suspected.

“The only thing unusual about his death is that a young man who was in otherwise good health appeared [at the health centre] and then died suddenly,” Neily said.

A blizzard and infrequent flights delayed the transportation of Pudluk’s body to Edmonton for four days. The medical examiner’s report was expected late this week or early next week.

Neily said the cause of death in a gunshot wound or strangulation case is usually clear. In Pudluk’s case, no one has any idea how he died, Neily said.

“Hopefully the autopsy will tell us. We want to be able to tell the family and the health centre what caused his death,” he said.