Inquest Date into the Deaths of Athanasios Batsos, James Pearce, Nikolaos Psihopedas and Ferdinand Staffa Announced

September 16, 2022

Solicitor General

Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner for Central Region, Toronto East Office, has announced the date for the joint inquest into the deaths of Athanasios Batsos, James Pearce, Nikolaos Psihopedas and Ferdinand Staffa.

Mr. Batsos, 53, died on September 30, 2017; Mr. Pearce, 50, died on August 11, 2018; Mr. Psihopedas, 70, died on June 6, 2018; and Mr. Staffa, 82, died on August 11, 2018. They died from multiple injuries sustained after a fall from height at various construction sites in Toronto and Vaughan. An inquest into their deaths is mandatory under the Coroners Act.

The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding these deaths. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing future deaths from occurring in similar circumstances.

The inquest is expected to last four days and hear from three witnesses.

The inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022, Dr. John Carlisle will be the presiding officer and Roger Shallow will be inquest counsel.

The inquest will be conducted by video conference. Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings can do so live at the link provided below.

For more information about inquests, see: https://www.ontario.ca/page/coroners-inquests.