Austin D. Wallace
Austin D. Wallace was a 15-year-old Halls High School student who played guitar, loved his family, and wanted to become a welder like his father, according to his mother. He was found hanged at the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center in Chattanooga on July 1, 2010. The Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office classified the death as a suicide, and the TBI and the state Department of Children's Services are investigating. His mother said he had a documented history of depression and suicidal behavior and that she believes more could have been done to protect him.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office ruled it a suicide by hanging, while his mother says he had a documented history of depression and suicidal behavior and believes staff could have done more to protect him.
Reported by: Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); his mother.