Police deemed negligent after investigation of 17-year-old hockey player's death

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Axel Williams
August 8, 2024 (1:42 PM)

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Five years ago, 17-year-old hockey player Ben Teague passed away after consuming alcohol during a "team-building event."

As the story goes, the team was at the YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre in Schomberg, Ontario. Four coaches were with the kids, and after consuming alcohol, Teague felt a pain in his leg. Eventually, Teague passed away and the coroner determined his cause of death as acute myocardial injury with necrosis associated with recent alcohol consumption.

According to Rick Westhead of CTV News, the Ontario Provincial Police had been investigating the York Regional Police to determine whether or not they were negligent in their investigation. As the report indicates, they were, indeed, negligent. This is because the police did not prioritize interviewing every single person involved.

According to York Regional Police policy cited in the report, police responding to death investigations are supposed to preserve the integrity of evidence by isolating witnesses to ensure they do not discuss their observations with each other; observe and identify all people or vehicles leaving the scene, including potential witnesses.

"This was not done," the report said. "No statements were taken or tasked to be taken from the boys or coaches by Sgt. Worthman while at Cedar Glen, and only some contact details were recorded in his notebook. Further, it is not believed the boys and coaches were separated by Sgt. Worthman."

Our heart goes out to Teague's family and friends during this very difficult time. We hope they are able to find peace throughout this awful situation.

Source: CTV News
York Regional Police officers found negligent in investigation of Ont. teen hockey player's death