While the Special Investigations Unit continues to investigate the death of Adam Sprague, who died in an Orangeville jail cell Thursday, the 25-year-old’s family and friends are planning a memorial service.

Scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday morning, the public memorial will take place in the parking lot of Orangeville’s police headquarters.

“When somebody dies on the side of the road you take a wreath and put it on the side of the road,” said Stephanie Cliche, a friend of the family. “We’re going to make a point here”

She said the family is devastated.

“He was a strong, kind, friendly healthy 25-year-old male with a heart of gold,” said Cliche, adding she is frustrated with the lack of information currently being given by police.

“That’s just not right.”

The SIU stepped in Thursday morning after being called by Orangeville police.

SIU spokesperson Frank Phillips confirmed Sprague was found in his cell in medical distress at 7:42 a.m. Thursday. Emergency medical services responded and he was pronounced dead there at 8:20 a.m.

A post mortem was conducted Friday in Hamilton. The cause of death has not been released at this time.

Sprague was arrested Wednesday evening for an undisclosed offence and lodged in a cell.

One officer from the Orangeville police service has been identified as a “subject officer,” meaning this person may have had something to do with what happened, said Phillips. Eight officers have been identified as witness officers.

The provincial civilian agency launches an investigation whenever there is a death, serious injury, or allegation of sexual assault involving police.

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Orangeville police declined to comment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the SIU at 416-622-0748 or 1-800-787-8529.

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