Manitoba Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside court

WINNIPEG – Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says Grand Chief Cathy Merrick of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died.

Merrick, the first woman elected to the role, collapsed outside the Winnipeg Law Courts building and was rushed to hospital.

She had been talking to reporters about two court cases when she said she felt dizzy and quickly fell to the ground.

Fire and paramedic crews arrived, performed chest compressions and carried Merrick away on a stretcher.

Kinew says he had known Merrick for years and she approached her work with compassion and spirituality.

He says flags at the legislature have been lowered to half-mast.

More coming.

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