Brandon Hessler
Brandon Hessler, 28, of New Richmond, had battled mental illness, and his parents, Dan Hessler and Halleigh Hall, have said his condition improved with care and medication. He died on March 18, 2007, at the St. Croix County Jail in Wisconsin, where jail staff said he appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance and had been placed on a 15-minute medical watch, an account his father disputes. He was taken to Hudson Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His parents have filed a $3 million wrongful death claim against the county, saying the death should have been prevented.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). Jail staff said he appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance and was placed on a 15-minute medical watch, an account his father disputes; his parents' wrongful death claim says the death should have and could have been prevented.
Reported by: Hessler's parents, through their attorney (family or their lawyers).