Authorities in New Brunswick are investigating the death of 27-year-old inmate Ryan Richard, who died while in custody at the Atlantic Institution in Renous, according to Correctional Service Canada.
Richard, who had been serving a two-year-and-one-day sentence since August 14, 2024, for offences including assault with a weapon and extortion, died on June 17 inside the maximum-security federal facility located approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Miramichi.
Correctional Service Canada has confirmed that the death is being treated as “non-natural causes,” and that both police and the coroner have been notified to conduct an independent investigation. Officials have stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and no suspected cause of death has been released at this time.
In a statement, the correctional service said it is conducting an internal review, as is standard procedure in all inmate deaths within federal custody. Authorities emphasized that the coroner is responsible for determining the official cause of death following a full investigation.
Officials have not released further personal details about Richard, including his place of origin, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and limits on available information.
Correctional Service Canada has stated that it treats all deaths in custody with seriousness and has pledged full cooperation with investigative authorities. The institution continues to work alongside law enforcement and the coroner’s office as they examine the circumstances leading up to the incident.
