London Police Services have charged a man in connection with an overdose that took the life of Neil Stephen Harvey, from Ilderton, last year.
The accused faces a single manslaughter charge for allegedly selling Harvey fentanyl, which led to his subsequent overdose and death.
According to police, Harvey was found in a parking lot in London’s south end on Dec. 21, but he later died in hospital.
The Office of the Chief Coroner led the investigation following the death with the help of London police.
There have been more than 26,600 opioid-related deaths in the country from the beginning of 2016 to September 2021. Most happened in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
According to Harvey’s obituary, he was a Lambton County paramedic and had previously worked for the Ilderton Fire Services. His family declined to speak to CBC about their loved one.
“Neil’s big, infectious smile was known to all whom he crossed paths with. As a proud paramedic in Lambton County, past training officer for Ilderton Fire Services, and an instructor in the paramedic program at Lambton College, Neil could always be found dedicating his time, energy, and knowledge to help his peers, students, and co-workers learn and grow to be the best they could be,” his obituary said.
“But above all he loved to be spending time with his family, friends and most importantly, his son.”
The suspect in the case was arrested on May 10 and appeared in court the same day.
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