David McGrath
David McGrath, 48, died in 2023 while held at the Issaquah City Jail in Washington. A jail nurse had recommended that he be taken to a hospital for treatment of drug withdrawal, but according to his estate's lawyer, guards did not arrange transport, and he died about an hour later. The King County Medical Examiner's Office listed acute fentanyl intoxication as the cause of death. His estate's lawyer alleged negligence, and the city council approved a $2.5 million settlement in September 2024.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner listed fentanyl intoxication as the cause, while his estate's lawyer alleged that jail guards did not arrange hospital transport for drug withdrawal after a nurse advised it.
Reported by: King County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); his estate's lawyer (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His estate's lawyer alleged negligence, and the Issaquah city council approved a $2.5 million settlement in September 2024.