Bradley Steven Hensley
Bradley Steven Hensley, 42, of Bassett, died on August 6, 2022, while held at the Henry County Adult Detention Center in Martinsville, Virginia. He had a serious adrenal disorder that required twice-daily medication, and he was placed under direct supervision after entering the jail. Deputies said he reported trouble breathing and was found unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead at SOVAH Health Martinsville. The medical examiner attributed the death to fentanyl toxicity with adrenal crisis. The sheriff's office said a contracted nurse skipped required checks and falsified records, and his parents' federal lawsuit alleges that his medication was delayed and denied and that his distress was ignored; a former healthcare worker was later indicted.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff (disputed). The medical examiner attributed the death to fentanyl toxicity with adrenal crisis, while the sheriff's office says a Wellpath nurse skipped required checks and falsified records, and that this lapse contributed; his parents' federal lawsuit says jail staff and the medical provider delayed and denied his twice-daily medication and ignored his distress.
Reported by: Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the Western District of Virginia (medical examiner or coroner); Henry County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Robert and Robin Hensley, his parents, in a federal lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His parents sued in federal court in April 2024, alleging that jail staff and the contracted medical provider delayed and denied his medication, ignored his distress, and falsified records, and no settlement or award amount has been reported.