Queensland Police have confirmed an investigation will be launched immediately following a death in custody on Wednesday in the remote western Cape York community of Kowanyama.
A QPS spokesperson told the ABC a 51-year-old man Aboriginal man was taken into custody in relation to allegations of domestic and family violence related offences.
He was taken to Kowanyama Watchhouse, but was found unresponsive in his cell a short time later.
The spokesperson said first aid was immediately provided, and the man was urgently transported to Kowanyama clinic, where he was declared dead.
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Mayor Robbie Sands says his community is shocked and saddened by the man's passing, but is remaining composed ahead of an investigation.
"From what I can observe the community is calm, the family group who are affected by the death in custody are calm and we need to maintain that," he said.
"Most importantly, we need to [get] some answers for the family – hopefully that investigation can happen pretty quickly."
Mayor Sands said he had been in contact with senior police from the Weipa command, who assured him that the Ethical Standards Command would lead the investigation.
"Officers will come out to make sure there's transparency and procedural fairness happening [with] the investigation," he said.
"That's music to the ears of our community and the immediate family in these tragic circumstances.
"The quicker we have the investigation, the better for our community."
The mayor was told officers would be sent from Cairns to hold the scene at the watchhouse and to help ensure the community remained safe.
He said the community had a good working relationship with Queensland Police and wanted to reassure local residents.
"Stay calm, the investigation is going to happen," he said.
"Our council will make sure that the investigation is thorough and that there's transparency for the investigation as it occurs."
The QPS spokesperson confirmed the state coroner has been advised of the man’s death, and that the Crime and Corruption Commission will provide independent oversight of the Ethical Standards Command investigation.
Family liaison officers have also been designated to provide information and support to the man's family.
