The Ottawa community is mourning the loss of Joshua Clatney, a passionate advocate for youth struggling with addiction who died on Sunday night at 7:20 p.m. He was just 28 years old.
From Personal Struggle to Powerful Advocacy
Joshua Clatney's life story was one of remarkable transformation. He emerged from his own battles with addiction to become what many described as a pillar in the margins of society. His personal experience with substance abuse gave him unique insight that he channeled into helping others.
Despite his dedication to helping people, those close to him noted that he found it sometimes impossibly hard to help himself. His family is currently awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of his death.
A Life Marked by Resilience and Setbacks
Clatney's journey was marked by both incredible resilience and heartbreaking setbacks. He had cheated death five times in near-fatal overdoses, demonstrating the ongoing nature of his struggle with addiction.
His early encounters with the justice system were documented in local media. In 2017, when Josh was just 19, a reporter wrote that the teenager had violated bail conditions by not being home. The article noted that paramedics and police had found him unconscious with a needle still stuck in his arm. During the court hearing, his defence lawyer told the judge that Josh had shown improvement and appeared to be finally on the right path.
Becoming a Voice for Change
Joshua Clatney's transformation from someone struggling with addiction to a respected advocate was nothing short of remarkable. He served as an advisor on We the Parents, an advocacy group formed after two teens overdosed on drugs laced with fentanyl.
His firsthand experience made him an invaluable resource, and his handsome, charming presence made him comfortable doing media interviews. Colleagues described him as the most honest recovering addict around, noting that no matter his own demons, he always genuinely cared about how others were doing.
Clatney's advocacy work brought him to tables with diverse stakeholders including parents, law enforcement, medical students, and even the federal health minister. His ability to bridge gaps between these different groups made him an effective force for change in Ottawa's approach to youth addiction.
A Complex Relationship with Justice
Joshua Clatney had a unique perspective on the justice system, having experienced it from multiple angles. He knew both sides well - as a defendant and as a studying law clerk who worked around the Elgin Street courthouse.
His father, Mark Clatney, recalled that his son knew right from wrong and believed deeply in justice. "He always wanted to help people. He knew what was fair and what wasn't, and if it wasn't, he'd shout about it," Mark said while making funeral arrangements on Tuesday.
Even in high school, Joshua demonstrated his commitment to justice. He once contacted a journalist because he claimed a police officer was stealing weed from students - confiscating it for personal use. When asked if he believed the young Clatney, the journalist responded that it depended on the name of the cop. That same officer later resigned in disgrace for other misconduct.
Those who knew him well described Joshua as a former high school debater who could hold court with his passionate discussions about injustice. His intelligence and eloquence made him a powerful voice for those who often went unheard in discussions about addiction and recovery.
The loss of Joshua Clatney at such a young age represents a significant blow to Ottawa's community of addiction recovery advocates and the many young people he inspired and helped through their own struggles with substance abuse.
