Brandon Wade
Brandon Wade, 41, of Fort Wayne, was arrested at his home and booked into the Allen County Jail. Three days later he was found unconscious in a padded cell and died the next day at Lutheran Hospital. The Allen County coroner, Dr. E. John Brandenberger, attributed the death to a massive stroke caused by hypertension and ruled it natural. The family's federal wrongful death lawsuit alleges excessive force during the arrest, beatings in the lockup and failure to get him prompt medical treatment, and officials said they had not seen the suit. His aunt, Vicki Wade, said the family wants answers.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The coroner ruled the death a natural stroke caused by hypertension, but his family's federal lawsuit says officers beat him and staff failed to get him prompt medical treatment.
Reported by: Allen County Coroner Dr. E. John Brandenberger (medical examiner or coroner); his family's federal wrongful death lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit alleging excessive force during arrest, beatings in the lockup, and failure to get him prompt medical treatment; officials said they had not seen the suit, and no settlement or award is reported.