Howard Hyde, 45, died some 30-hours after being shot with a Taser by Halifax Regional Police and his death became the latest of a series of Taser related deaths in Canada.

Critical incident reviews are conducted when a death occurs at a correctional facility both internal reviews and an external investigation conducted by a police agency.

“We have completed this phase of the investigation into this unfortunate situation,” said Fred Honsberger, executive director of Correctional Services with the Department of Justice. “Our findings indicate that staff followed proper procedures while this person was in our custody and we are now supporting RCMP in their phase of the investigation.”

Hyde was brought to the Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Burnside on the evening of Nov. 21, to be held until a court appearance the next day to face charges of assault, assault with a weapon, resisting and obstructing a peace officer and escaping from lawful custody.

When Hyde was brought in to the facility he struggled with the police and attempted to flee the building but was Tasered and brought back by police.

Hyde suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and family members say that he was not on his medication at the time of his arrest and should never have been brought to a correctional facility.

According to the review, Hyde was then examined by health-care staff at the facility and placed in a cell for observation but as he was being escorted to the admissions area the next morning, he became uncooperative and briefly struggled with the staff.

As he was placed in a holding cell, he again began to struggle with staff but then became unresponsive and staff issued a distress call for emergency medical assistance.

Staff called 911 and CPR was started by staff and then continued by paramedics but by the time they reached the hospital, he was pronounced dead.

A funeral service was held for Hyde last week where he was remembered as a musician and friend.

“This is a difficult situation for this gentleman’s family and friends and we extend our deepest sympathies,” said Mr. Honsberger.