Benjamin Walby
Benjamin Walby, 22, was a Michigan Tech student, and his family has pursued a lawsuit over his death. He was arrested outside his Hancock apartment on March 23, 2024, and officers restrained him, including with TASER deployments. He was taken by police vehicle and then ambulance to UP Health System Marquette, where he died on April 4. The family's lawsuit against Houghton County, two cities and 11 officers alleges repeated TASER use and lack of medical attention, while Houghton County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Helmer disputes the TASER and noise-complaint claims.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). The original autopsy listed TASER devices as a cause of death; the family's lawsuit says officers repeatedly deployed TASERs on him and gave him no medical attention, while the Houghton County prosecutor says the evidence does not support the TASER claim.
Reported by: Medical examiner's original autopsy (medical examiner or coroner); Family's attorneys (lawsuit) (family or their lawyers); Houghton County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Helmer (outside investigators).
Lawsuit: His family sued Houghton County, two cities and 11 officers over his death, alleging repeated TASER use and a lack of medical attention; no settlement or award amount is reported.