Debra Annette McHone
Debra Annette McHone was admitted to a hospital in July 2024 with stomach pain, and was later taken to the McMinn County Jail. Her family's federal lawsuit says jail officials ignored her pleas for help during a long withdrawal and that a deputy sent her back to the jail for care before she died on the way to another hospital. Sheriff Joe Guy says she was given a medical furlough and received adequate care as required by law. The lawsuit and the sheriff's account conflict on whether her medical needs were met.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff (disputed). Her family's federal lawsuit says jail officials ignored her pleas for help during a long withdrawal and a deputy sent her back to the hospital before she died, while Sheriff Joe Guy says she received adequate care as required by law.
Reported by: her family's federal lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: Her family filed a federal lawsuit alleging jail officials ignored her pleas for help, and no settlement or award amount is reported.