Desmond Watkins
Desmond Watkins, 36, had a long history of serious psychiatric illness and was held in the psychiatric unit at Salinas Valley State Prison in Monterey County, California. According to the summary in his record, he was hospitalized in November 2012 with water intoxication from psychogenic polydipsia, a condition of extreme thirst, and staff knew of it, but water intake was not limited. He was found unresponsive in his cell on March 22, 2013, and did not survive the hospital visit that followed. A court expert called the death 'very preventable,' and state officials have since adopted new monitoring procedures.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (neglect alleged). Staff knew he had psychogenic polydipsia and had been hospitalized for water intoxication in November 2012, but did not limit his water intake, and a court expert called the death 'very preventable'.
Reported by: a court expert; news reporting on the death.