Derrick Wilson
Derrick Wilson, 34, was from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and had lived in Chattanooga, where his sister Chelsea Wilson said he was an amazing brother and the protector of their family growing up. On March 4, 2026, while held at the Hamilton County Jail, he reported shortness of breath, and the medical examiner's report says he then became unresponsive and pulseless and that no CPR was performed. Doctors later found Ludwig's angina, a serious mouth infection, and the medical examiner's office ruled the death natural and found no drugs in his system. He was released on an OR bond on March 6 and died on March 12. His family says they were not told about an earlier emergency on February 25 or the March 4 emergency until the next day, and they have unanswered questions about the care he received.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled the death natural from Ludwig's angina, but his family says jail staff did not tell them about the February 25 and March 4 emergencies until the next day and they have unanswered questions about the care he received.
Reported by: Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); his family.