Probe into Indigenous man's death after airport custody

On May 30, a 68-year-old was prevented from joining a flight out of Darwin after federal officers received reports of him being intoxicated, Northern Territory Police said in a statement.

He was taken into protective custody and driven to the Palmerston Watchhouse where the custody sergeant and nurse deemed it necessary to take him to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment.

Upon arrival at the hospital federal officers noticed the man had lost consciousness, prompting medical staff to immediately commence CPR, with resuscitation efforts proving successful.

He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit in a stable condition for ongoing treatment for what was a suspected medical event, NT Police said.

The man died in the ICU on Saturday and NT Police said his next of kin had been notified. 

"The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a post mortem (examination)," territory police said.

"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."

An AFP spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday individuals in protective custody are not under arrest and the man was "not restrained at any point by AFP officers".

The AFP confirmed the man was detained under the public intoxication section of the NT Police Administration Act.

The man was taken to hospital so he could be "monitored while sobering up" and he presented no medical concerns while being transported, the spokesperson said.

But when he arrived at the hospital he "experienced a sudden and serious medical episode" and lost consciousness.

The officers involved are being supported by AFP welfare officers.

NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

In the case of Mr White, rallies continue across the country to demand justice, calling for an independent inquiry into his death.

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