Dr. Paul Hannam, the Chief of Emergency Medicine and Program Medical Director at North York General Hospital (NYGH), died unexpectedly on Saturday while out for a run, according to his colleagues.
There is currently no information available regarding the reason for his sudden death.
Chief Medical Strategy Officer at Mount Sinai Hospital, Howard Ovens, announced the passing of Dr. Hannam via Twitter.
“Canadian Emergency Medicine is in mourning tonight,” Ovens wrote. “Paul Hannam, Olympic sailor, marathon runner, family man, ED director at NYGH, a sweet, thoughtful, compassionate and gentle man died suddenly today on a run. The quintessential mensch. Hug someone you love.”
Canadian Emergency Medicine is in mourning tonight. Paul Hannam, Olympic sailor, marathon runner, family man, ED director at NYGH, a sweet, thoughtful, compassionate and gentle man died suddenly today on a run. The quintessential mensch. Hug someone you love. pic.twitter.com/Gkne2khj27
— Howard Ovens (@HowardOvens) July 17, 2022
When asked if an autopsy is being done to ease public concerns, Dr. Oven responded that Dr. Hannam is not a public figure and his family deserves privacy and respect.
He was not a public figure. His family deserves some privacy and respect. https://t.co/jtt24kZOyp
— Howard Ovens (@HowardOvens) July 17, 2022
Dr. Oven retweeted a post from another doctor arguing that sudden cardiac death during exercise is virtually always caused by an arrhythmia and not by a vaccine.
Sudden cardiac death during exercise is virtually always caused by an arrhythmia. It’s not a new concept and there is no elephant in the room. It’s just a regular tragedy, not an excuse to spread antivax garbage.
— Dr. Jon (@TheDrJon) July 17, 2022
Tributes have poured in following Hannam’s passing.
Our hearts are heavy as we remember our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Paul Hannam, who served as our Chief of ED for 10+ years. We will not soon forget his incredible contributions to our hospital and community. 💚 https://t.co/PRoRvUgSAD
— MGH / TEHN (@MGHToronto) July 17, 2022
Our hearts are heavy as we remember our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Paul Hannam who passed away suddenly yesterday. Dr. Hannam was NYGH’s Chief of Emergency Medicine & Program Medical Director. He was a highly respected and trusted colleague, devoted to patients and community. pic.twitter.com/AMd2pIXCYP
— North York General (@NYGH_News) July 17, 2022
CAEP and the EM community are mourning the loss of Paul Hannam. We are sending condolences to his family and colleagues in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/cYJ0nhppJI
— CAEP (@CAEP_Docs) July 17, 2022
