Died in prison
Benjamin van Zandt
Benjamin van Zandt, 21, had a severe mental illness and was held at Fishkill Correctional Facility in New York. His family says he was placed in solitary confinement there and deteriorated alone, and that after ten days he took his own life. His parents, Alicia and Doug, have spoken publicly about him as their son.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). His family says prison staff placed him in solitary confinement despite his severe mental illness, and that he deteriorated alone there before taking his own life after ten days.
Reported by: his family.