Brandon Gates
Brandon Gates, 32, of Hays, was found unresponsive at the Ellis County Jail on September 4, 2026, according to the Ellis County Sheriff's Office. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which released his name, said his injuries were believed to be self-inflicted, and an autopsy has been performed. The final autopsy report is pending, and the KBI said no foul play is suspected. A Great Bend Post report said detention officers found a 32-year-old man held at the jail unresponsive, and that staff began first aid and called emergency medical services before he was pronounced dead.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says his injuries were believed to be self-inflicted, but the final autopsy report is pending.
Reported by: Kansas Bureau of Investigation (outside investigators); Ellis County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Ellis County Coroner (medical examiner or coroner).