Derek Ashworth
Derek Ashworth died on August 2, 2023, while held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Rhode Island. Brown Robinson of the STOP Torture RI Coalition alleges that Ashworth was denied medicine even though officers knew he was prone to seizures, and that he was placed in a top bunk despite a medical need for a bottom bunk. Robinson says that after a seizure at night Ashworth fell to the floor, that people held with him kicked the door for about 20 minutes, and that the officer who opened it did not perform life-saving measures. Robinson alleges professional negligence or malpractice. The Rhode Island Department of Corrections said it cannot comment on specific cases under investigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (neglect alleged). Brown Robinson of the STOP Torture RI Coalition says staff denied Ashworth medication despite knowing he was prone to seizures, put him in a top bunk despite a medical need for a bottom bunk, and that the officer who opened the door after his nighttime seizure did not perform life-saving measures.
Reported by: Brown Robinson, STOP Torture RI Coalition (advocates).