NT police launch death in custody probe after man dies at Royal Darwin Hospital
In a statement, an NTPF spokesperson said the 68-year-old man had been in RDH's intensive care unit since May 30.
The spokesperson said before being hospitalised, the man was arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers following reports he was unable to board a flight due to intoxication.
The AFP is the lead law enforcement agency at Darwin International Airport.
"The male was taken into protective custody by AFP officers and was initially conveyed to the Palmerston watch house," the NT police spokesperson said.
"Before being admitted [into the watch house] and whilst still in AFP custody, the custody sergeant and nurse assessed the male where it was deemed necessary to convey the man to RDH for further assessment."
The NTPF spokesperson said upon arrival at RDH, "AFP members noticed the man had lost consciousness".
"Medical staff were alerted, who immediately commenced CPR," they said.
"Resuscitation efforts were successful, and he was transferred to the intensive care unit in a stable condition for ongoing treatment for what was a suspected medical event."
The man subsequently died at the intensive care unit on Saturday.
The NTPF spokesperson said the cause of his death remained "undetermined pending a post-mortem".
"The incident is being investigated as a death in custody, as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness," they said.
"The NTPF is now investigating on behalf of the coroner."
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