A Saskatoon man stabbed in an apparent random attack at a hospital has died
A man stabbed in an apparent random attack at a Saskatoon hospital has died, according to a close friend.
Randy Beauchesne died after he was removed from life support on Saturday, Chris Sicotte told CTV News.
Beauchesne, 55, was stabbed in the head inside Royal University Hospital on June 13 — allegedly by a man he didn't know.
"We were encouraged initially when he was awake and trying to communicate, and then everything kind of took a turn for the worse about a week and a half or so ago," Sicotte said.
"A loving father, devoted grandfather, small business owner, well known within the group of people we associated with— it's just tragic and senseless."
Sicotte said Beauchesne was a two-time cancer survivor who was always ready to lend a hand.
"A lot of times people throw the phrase 'shirt off your back kind of person,' but that's really what he was. He was one of those guys, if he could help you out in any way possible, he would be there," Sicotte said
He was also an avid martial artist who Sicotte said was "tough as nails and strong as an ox."
Beauchesne was stabbed with a screwdriver, according to his daughter Danya.
She previously told CTV News the screwdriver used by Randy's attacker penetrated his skull and entered the frontal lobe of his brain.
Kevin Witchekan, 39, was arrested at the hospital following the attack and charged with attempted murder.
On Tuesday, Saskatoon Police Service said new charges are pending.
Randy Beauchesne sustained a serious brain injury when he was stabbed at a Saskatoon hospital, according to his family. (Courtesy Dayna Beauchesne)
"Just to find out that it was you know, a senseless random attack — there may have been a case of mistaken identity — but still you stab somebody in the head like that? It's just brutal. It's vicious," Sicotte said.
In June, Danya said the attack happened while Randy was paying for parking for a family friend they happened to bump into at the hospital.
"He was just trying to do something nice for someone ... and then he has that happen to him," she said.
--With files from Tyler Barrow
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.