Pacific Institution inmate dies while in custody

Apr 29, 2025 | 12:44 PM

ABBOTSFORD — Corrections Canada says an inmate at the Pacific Institution in Abbotsford died while in custody over the weekend.

According to a news release, 81-year-old Darwin Heilman died of apparent natural causes Sunday (Apr. 27).

Heilman had been in custody since 1971 and was serving an indeterminate sentence.

Corrections Canada policy requires that police and the coroner be notified of the death of any inmate.