SIU clears Waterloo regional police after teen's death in Cambridge in July

The province's Special Investigations Unit says Waterloo regional police are not at fault after a teen died in Cambridge this summer.

Officers responded to a 911 call from a motorist who said there was a male standing on the railing of the Concession Street bridge in Cambridge just before 4 a.m. on July 2. The SIU report says the 17-year-old was "distraught over his personal circumstances" when he was on the bridge.

Officers blocked traffic and one of the officers spoke to the teen. As that happened, firefighters also put a boat in the water in case a rescue was required.

A police negotiator arrived on scene and said the officer — who had started speaking with the teen — could continue to talk to him. That happened until about 4:35 a.m., at which point the SIU report says the teen jumped into the water.

Firefighters who were already in a boat on the water pulled the teen from the river and began CPR. The teen was then taken to hospital by ambulance but died later that evening.

The SIU says an autopsy found the teen's death was due to drowning.

SIU director Joseph Martino said in his report that the outcome was "highly regrettable" but "his death was not from any want of trying on the part of the involved officers and firefighters."

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

• HERE24/7  1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247).
• Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (phone) | 45645 (text between 4 p.m. and midnight ET).
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counselling on the website.
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
• This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.
• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.

If you're worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them about it, says the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Here are some warning signs: 

• Suicidal thoughts.
• Substance abuse.
• Purposelessness.
• Anxiety.
• Feeling trapped.
• Hopelessness and helplessness.
• Withdrawal.
• Anger.
• Recklessness.
• Mood changes.