Jon Wells was described as a dedicated community member who made a positive impact on youth in the Blood Tribe
In a statement Friday, Wells’ family said the 42-year-old Blood Tribe member’s “tragic and untimely death has left a void in the hearts of all who knew him.”
They describe him as a dedicated community member who made a positive impact on Blood Tribe youth.
“His dedication to his family and community was unwavering, and his impact on the youth he mentored was profound,” the statement reads.
The first officer to arrive pointed a stun gun at Wells, who was unarmed, while ordering him to leave the premises.
“I don’t want to die,” Wells said as he slowly walked, hands raised, toward the exit, according to a statement issued earlier this week by Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), the province’s police watchdog agency.
A 3½-minute altercation ensued after two other officers arrived and the first officer tried to grab Wells.
Police said the three officers involved have been placed on 30-day administrative leave while ASIRT investigates.
Wells graduated from the Criminal Justice diploma program at Lethbridge College in 2011 and was pursuing a degree in criminal justice, his family said.
On Thursday, staff members at the centre said his death has left a “big gap” in support for their clients and community.
Wells was also well known on the global rodeo scene, travelling across Canada and the United States to compete in various events. He was the steer wrestling tour champion in 2012, competing in the Indian National Finals Rodeo.
The statement also recognizes his roles as a former president of the Blood Tribe Ag Society and a member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association.
“(Wells’) legacy as a mentor, friend and cowboy will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the statement said.
An ASIRT investigation into the events leading to Wells’ death is ongoing.
Police Chief Mark Neufeld has said the in-custody fatality was “a very complex situation” that shouldn’t be judged until the ASIRT investigation is completed.
“We welcome the oversight, we welcome the transparency … but I would just ask Calgarians to suspend judgment,” Neufeld said Wednesday.