VPD Const. Nicole Chan was released from hospital hours before suicide, inquest hears
Warning: This story contains detail about suicide that may be distressing. A list of resources for those struggling with suicidal thought or other mental health challenges is included at the end.
A coroner's inquest into Nicole Chan's death heard testimony Thursday about the Vancouver police officer's visit to the hospital just hours before she took her own life in 2019.
The 30-year-old constable had been despondent in the period before her death, the inquest has heard. The outside police force investigating sexual blackmail allegations she made against fellow officer Sgt. Dave Van Patten had recommended charges, but Crown counsel declined to prosecute. Van Patten remained on the job while she was on medical leave.
When Chan’s boyfriend Jamie Gifford found her in possession of a knife, scissors and a dog leash fashioned into a noose on the evening of Jan. 26, 2019, he contacted his best friend Brandon Gray, who testified Gifford was concerned Nicole was suicidal.
“She was having some problems, wanting to hurt herself, a mental episode, a full breakdown. And we had to call 911,” Gray said in an interview with CTV.
Five officers with the Vancouver Police Department responded to that 911 call, and an agitated Chan was detained under the Mental Health Act. She was brought by ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital, but the jury heard she quickly convinced doctors there that she was fine, and they decided not to admit her against her will.
One of the responding officers Const. Warren Head testified he thought Chan was telling hospital staff what they wanted to hear.
“I mentioned to them she was a police officer and had done this dance many times before. She knows exactly what to say to avoid being admitted to hospital,” he said.
Head asked the doctors to reconsider.
“I just advised them (that) I believed personally that she was a threat to harm herself and I felt that if she was to go back home, she might follow through,” he testified.
Head added in his policing career, he didn’t think he had ever apprehended someone under the Mental Health Act only to have hospital doctors decline to admit them. Chan family lawyer Gloria Ng said that is a huge concern.
“If we accept what officer Head said, that that’s not normally what happens, it’s interesting and troubling that perhaps something different didn’t happen,” said Ng.
Against the advice of fellow officers, Chan was released just two hours after arriving at the hospital.
“Honestly, we couldn’t believe it. We were all in shock she could even be released and in such a short time. So we ended up calling 911 again,” said Gray. “Unfortunately they said we can’t help her.”
While Chan appeared calm when she returned home from the hospital, Gray testified he was concerned for her boyfriend’s safety, so they all agreed Gifford would spend the night at Gray’s home.
The following morning the two men went back to the condo and found Nicole Chan dead, hanging from a bedroom door handle.
“One of the worst mornings I’ve ever experienced. And especially for Jamie and having to see my best friend go through that,” recalled Gray.
While Chan’s suicide note included the line “there is nothing anyone could have done”, Gray wonders if VGH doctors missed a chance to save Nicole’s life that night.
“There is room for improvement with the health-care system, there are so many issues with mental health,” said Gray.
He hopes the inquest jury makes recommendations aimed at better identifying and treating suicidal patients, adding “I would like to see something good come out of this for Nicole.”
The inquest will continue on Friday with testimony from a VGH psychiatrist and social worker.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, these are some resources that are available:
- Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline (1-833-456-4566)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800 463-2338)
- Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
- Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Interim RCMP commissioner Duheme 'very concerned' about foreign interference
As questions continue to swirl around the issue of other countries' meddling in Canadian affairs, interim RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme says he's 'very, very concerned' about foreign interference, and would like to see the national force be able to use intelligence as evidence in its investigations.

Migrant bodies in St. Lawrence 'heartbreaking' but 'predictable,' advocate says
After the bodies of several people were discovered in the St. Lawrence River, who authorities say were likely trying to cross illegally into the U.S., a migrant advocate is questioning why people are fleeing Canada.
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.
April storms bring May norms: Weather Network’s seasonal forecast
The latest seasonal outlook from The Weather Network shows early April will continue to be chilly with flip-flopping temperatures bringing above and below the usual levels of precipitation seen around this time.
A glass of wine or beer per day is fine for your health: new study
A new Canadian study of 4.8 million people says a daily alcoholic drink isn't likely to send anyone to an early grave, nor will it offer any of the health benefits touted by previous studies, even if it is organic red wine.
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1
The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
W5 profile | The Canadian who creates the real, but fake, sounds in Hollywood blockbuster films
W5 profiles the man who makes the sounds for breaking bones and squealing tires in Hollywood’s biggest films; and he does it from a small town in Ontario. Watch 'Sound Farms' at 7 p.m. on CTV W5.
Recent immigrants more likely to have confidence in Parliament, Canadian media: Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada has released its new report about the Canadians level of confidence in Canada’s institutions, finding that recent immigrants are more likely to express confidence in the media and parliament.
Afghan women cyclists who escaped the Taliban are chasing their dreams in Canada
After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and banned sports for female athletes, Afghan women cyclists are chasing their dreams in Canada.