The family of a 26-year-old man who died following a rodeo accident in Woodstock, Ontario, is expressing anger over a nine-month delay in receiving the coroner's report. Josh Morse was severely injured during a rodeo event in July 2025 and later succumbed to his injuries. His family claims they were ignored by the Coroner's Office and other government officials throughout the process.
Family demands accountability
Speaking on behalf of the family, a relative stated, 'Somebody needs to take accountability for this delay. We have been left in the dark for nine months, and it feels like our son's death does not matter.' The family had hoped for a timely report to help them understand the circumstances surrounding Josh's death and to seek closure.
Coroner's Office response
The Coroner's Office has not publicly commented on the specific case but has acknowledged that delays can occur due to the complexity of investigations. However, the family argues that the nine-month wait is excessive and has caused unnecessary emotional distress. They are calling for a review of the procedures to ensure that other families do not face similar delays.
The accident occurred at a rodeo in Woodstock, where Josh Morse was participating. He sustained critical injuries and was rushed to hospital but later died. The incident has raised questions about safety measures at rodeo events and the handling of post-mortem investigations.
This case highlights broader concerns about the efficiency of the coroner's system in Ontario, with advocates urging for reforms to prioritize timely communication with bereaved families.
