THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay Police and the office of the regional coroner are saying little about the status of their investigations into the death of a 36-year-old man last week.
The police probe was launched after a social media post describing how four people allegedly assaulted Jonathan Achneepineskum from the Lake Helen reserve near Nipigon.
He died at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Oct. 4.
The funeral for the father of two was held on Friday.
Family members said on Facebook that he had been attacked with baseball bats by four men in a pickup truck, but the incident was never reported.
The Thunder Bay Police Service's major crimes unit became aware of the allegations on Oct. 8 from social media posts, and immediately began an investigation.
Police said the coroner's office had already been advised, and had reached out to the family and to hospital officials.
Coroner Dr. Michael Wilson on Wednesday said he has not yet reached a definitive conclusion as to the cause or manner of death.
He is restricted by law as to what he can reveal publicly, but Dr. Wilson said the family has been involved in the initial stages of his investigation, and are the only people entitled to know his findings.
The coroner added that he still has more work to do.
Dr. Wilson said he believes police are still looking into the circumstances that led up to Achneepineskum's death.
Police have urged potential witnesses to the alleged incident to come forward, or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.
Individuals who are reluctant to come forward due to mistrust of the police may contact the Indigenous Liaison Officer, Constable Bob Simon, by calling 807-684-1200.
A police spokesperson said Wednesday there are no developments to reveal regarding the investigation at this time.
