Neurologist to continue testifying at inquest into Toronto woman’s fatal balcony fall

A coroner’s inquest began on October 10, 2026, examining the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, a 29-year-old Afro-Indigenous woman who fell from her balcony in Toronto while police were inside her apartment in May 2020. The aim is to determine if her history of epilepsy and seizures played a role in her death, as well as whether changes are needed in how police handle similar incidents involving mental health crises. Dr. Julien Hébert, a neurologist who reviewed Korchinski-Paquet’s medical records, testified on October 13 that she exhibited symptoms consistent with postictal delirium and psychosis following seizures, often displaying confusion and aggressive behavior. The inquest has heard that Korchinski-Paquet experienced two seizures the morning of her death. The proceedings are expected to last for 14 days with 13 witnesses, aiming to establish what happened but not assigning blame or holding a criminal trial.