Josh Hoffman
Journalist
Visual storytelling
The Halifax Alehouse
I've been diligent and thorough in my reporting on the Halifax Alehouse since Ryan Sawyer died outside the bar on Christmas Eve 2022. I was tenacious piecing together the initial story about the different allegations against the bar and its staff and have been devoted to staying on top of every development. With my reporting, I've been able to build a rapport with Sawyer's family. Working on these stories has shown me it's more important to be right than to be first.
Deaths in police custody
While working on this investigation, I spent months combing through hundreds of inquests and police watchdog reports. I used public records and access to information requests to build an original database of deaths in police custody involving people arrested for public intoxication. Tracking down and speaking to the loved ones of these deceased people, many who fell through the cracks, elevated our reporting by illustrating the human cost in our stories.
