IL: Amanda Harkimo's friend died in jail in Pasila
Media personality and DJ Amanda Harkimo discusses the tragic loss of her friend who died in police custody shortly before the deaths of her father and brother.
Amanda Harkimo, a Finnish media personality and DJ, revealed on the Iltalehti program hosted by Sanna Ukkola that she lost her closest friend in police custody about a year prior to the deaths of her father and brother. Harkimo's father, Roy Harkimo, passed away from cancer in February of last year, and her brother Oliver died from a medical emergency in July. These losses have deeply affected Harkimo, who is still processing the grief of losing multiple family members and a close friend in such a short time.
During her appearance, Harkimo recounted the circumstances surrounding her friend's death, detailing that her friend was supposed to spend just one night in police detention but tragically died the following morning. The sister of the deceased mentioned that her brother had a history of epilepsy and had suffered a seizure while in the police station's shower. Following the seizure, he allegedly exhibited aggressive behavior, which led to police intervention where he was restrained and subsequently became unresponsive during the encounter. This troubling incident raises questions about the treatment of detainees and the protocols in place to safeguard their health and well-being.
The incident not only sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with epilepsy but also highlights broader issues regarding mental health and the potential risks associated with police custody. With the deaths of Harkimo's loved ones and the traumatic loss of her friend, it underscores the significant impact of loss and the need for better support systems for grieving individuals. Harkimo’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of those in care facilities and the necessity for compassionate and informed handling by law enforcement personnel.