WEST AUSTRALIAN FAMILY MOURN DEATH IN CUSTODY IN VICTORIA

BY TANGIORA HINAKI

Readers and listeners are warned this story is about a person who has passed away.

The WA family of an Aboriginal man who died in custody in Victoria last week are demanding answers from authorities.

Family members of 28-year-old Jeffrey Winmar have travelled to Victoria in the wake of his passing.

Police say they approached Mr Winmar on 9 November in a Melbourne suburb before he ran from the scene.

He was located a short time later in a nearby backyard and arrested.

Police say he suffered a medical episode while walking with them after he was detained.

Paramedics attended the scene and Mr Winmar was taken to hospital where he died on 11 November.

Victoria Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

National Suicide Prevention and Trauma recovery project Director Megan Krakouer says the family, who she is supporting, want to know more details about what occured.

“We’re losing too many people in custody,” she said.

“That’s the reality, and here you have a young man, once with the police, and then later ending up in hospital. What is going on? Why is he on life support?

“These are real questions that need to be asked, and these are questions that need answers to those, so there is that accountability.”

A dart carnival fundraising event has been organised for this Saturday at the Armadale Football club to provide financial support for the Winmar family.

Listen to the full interview with Megan Krakouer:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13YARN: 13 92 76