A recent coroner’s report has determined that the death of a 29-year-old man after a confrontation with police was accidental, with the restraint technique used by officers likely playing a role. Abisay Cruz passed away on March 30, 2025, following an incident that started on the back balcony of an apartment in Saint-Michel, Montreal.
Cruz was one of two individuals who lost their lives in separate police operations conducted by the Montreal police within a 12-hour period that weekend. His death, along with footage of the incident shared on social media, triggered protests in the community and deepened existing distrust towards law enforcement.
The use of the “hogtie technique,” which involves binding a person’s limbs behind their back while they are face down, was highlighted in the report. Coroner Géhane Kamel concluded that Cruz’s death was linked to cocaine intoxication and probable positional asphyxia during the police intervention.
Kamel emphasized that the hogtie technique is discouraged by many police and medical organizations due to its association with deaths in custody and concerns about safety and human rights violations. She stated that it was highly likely this restraint method contributed to Cruz’s death.
The report also revealed that Cruz, the second youngest of five siblings, was facing deportation to Honduras, adding to his stress leading up to the tragic incident. Witnesses provided conflicting versions of events, with some claiming Cruz posed an immediate physical threat, while others suggested he was cooperative before the situation escalated.
In response to the coroner’s findings, Montreal police expressed a commitment to implementing the recommendations. The hogtie technique is not part of the police training curriculum in Quebec’s police academy or within the police service itself. The department stated that officers are trained to recognize medical distress signs and the importance of prompt medical assistance when dealing with individuals in crisis.
The report’s criticism extended to the response of Urgences-santé, which was reportedly facing staffing shortages on the day of Cruz’s passing. The limited availability of advanced paramedic teams across Montreal was highlighted as a concern by the coroner.