An Ontario grandmother’s assisted death is under police investigation after her family alleged the 83-year-old was confused, tried to back out and never clearly consented before she was given a lethal injection.
Brigitte Stegemann died through medical assistance in dying (MAiD) on July 10 at The Pearl care home in Cannifton, Ontario, after being diagnosed with stage-four stomach cancer in February.
The case was first reported by veteran Kelsi Sheren on Substack before the Daily Mail published a detailed account of the family’s allegations.
But her granddaughter and longtime caregiver, Brigitte Kranendonk, alleges serious failures occurred in the days leading up to her death.
Two days before the procedure, Kranendonk said she bluntly asked her grandmother whether she understood she was going to die Friday.
Stegemann began crying and said, “I’ve made a mistake,” according to her granddaughter.
Kranendonk told the Daily Mail that Stegemann had previously rejected MAiD and was experiencing cognitive decline.
During an assessment, Kranendonk alleges her grandmother incorrectly answered questions about her own family, including saying she had no siblings despite having 13 and believing her two surviving siblings were dead.
Despite her concerns, Kranendonk said a doctor deemed Stegemann eligible for MAiD.
She also alleges the procedure was not clearly explained to her grandmother, who was severely hearing-impaired and whose first language was not English.
According to Kranendonk, a doctor described MAiD as giving Stegemann “medicine” that would make her “feel at peace.”
“My Oma’s just kind of nodding,” Kranendonk recalled. “She doesn’t understand what you’re saying.”
Kranendonk said she was assured her grandmother could still refuse MAiD on the day of the procedure.
But she alleges Stegemann never provided clear final consent that morning.
Before the doctor arrived, Kranendonk said a nurse repeatedly struggled to insert an IV, leaving blood on Stegemann, her clothing and bedding.
“This nurse is not wearing gloves. There’s blood all over her hands, there’s blood all over the place,” she alleged.
Kranendonk said that when the doctor eventually arrived, she told Stegemann she was there to give her “medicine” and asked whether that was okay.
“My Oma is not moving. She doesn’t open her eyes. She doesn’t nod. She doesn’t say anything, and the doctor just said: ‘Okay, well, I’m going to proceed.’”
Stegemann was pronounced dead within 10 minutes, according to Kranendonk.
“She did not consent the morning of the procedure,” Kranendonk alleged.
The care home and MAiD practitioners have not publicly responded to the allegations, according to the Daily Mail. The outlet reported that those involved maintain Stegemann legally consented to the procedure.
Kranendonk has sought answers from Ontario’s Chief Coroner’s Office, the Patient Ombudsman and Belleville Police.
Belleville Police confirmed the case remains under investigation.
“This incident is currently open and under investigation with our Criminal Investigations Division,” a police spokesperson told the Daily Mail. “We are unable to provide any additional information at this time.”
No finding of wrongdoing has been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Right. Carney hasn't come out to give MAID limitations. I wouldn't doubt that he is happy to execute Seniors as a CPP, OAS saving for him and Brookfield.
Serial killers, in white coats, eliminating the useless eaters. Where have we heard that before?