Angela Zuniga
Angela Zuniga, 33, had given birth days earlier and had returned to West Valley Detention Center in San Bernardino County, where her family says she had seven children and named her newborn son Exodus. Her family's lawsuit, brought by attorney Vicki Sarmiento, says she reported worsening symptoms, was turned away from the infirmary, and waited more than two hours for an ambulance. She died at a hospital the next morning of multiple pulmonary embolisms, and the family's suit alleges medical neglect. Sheriff's officials dispute the allegations, and the sheriff's health services administrator said patients are seen in a timely manner and that such clots can be fatal despite monitoring.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). Her family's lawsuit says she reported worsening symptoms, was turned away from the infirmary, and waited more than two hours for an ambulance, while sheriff's health services officials dispute the allegations and say such clots can be fatal despite monitoring.
Reported by: family's lawsuit, attorney Vicki Sarmiento (family or their lawyers); San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department health services administrator (the agency that held her).
Lawsuit: Her family sued over her death at West Valley Detention Center, and no settlement or award amount has been reported.