The 16-year-old Indigenous boy who was found unresponsive at Casuarina prison’s Unit 18 youth detention facility in Western Australia has died.
A statement from the Department of Justice confirmed he died just after 10pm on Thursday at Sir Charles Gairdner hospital, surrounded by his family.
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“The Department of Justice wishes to express deepest sympathies to the boy’s family, friends and community for their tragic loss. The department is continuing its investigation into all the circumstances of the incident,” the statement read.
“The death will be subject to a mandatory inquest and the department will fully co-operate with the coronial process.
“Detainees and staff at Unit 18 and Banksia Hill detention centre will be provided counselling and support services during this difficult time.”
The boy had been left in a critical condition after being found unresponsive at the facility on October 12.
The state’s minister for corrective services Paul Papalia said the boy had contacted officers via intercom and within minutes, officers found him unresponsive.
Resuscitation was initiated and officers were able to regain a pulse before medical teams arrived at the facility at around 2am.
If you, or anyone you know needs help, there are many resources available:
13Yarn: 13 92 76
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
If you are in need of immediate assistance, call Triple Zero (000)