Destiny Ball
Destiny Ball, 27, was a loving mother of two who loved to write, take selfies, comb the beach for sharks' teeth and spend time with friends, her mother Lacy Larson said, adding that they were best friends. Ball died on May 23, 2022, while held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County, South Carolina. Larson, who was held in a nearby cell, said she heard Ball cry that she couldn't breathe for about half an hour and that guards did not go in to help until she was found unresponsive. The Horry County Sheriff's Office said staff acted immediately, and the State Law Enforcement Division is investigating; the coroner's cause of death is still pending.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). Her mother, Lacy Larson, says Destiny Ball cried that she couldn't breathe for about half an hour and that guards didn't go in to help until she was found unresponsive, while the sheriff's office says staff immediately began lifesaving measures; the coroner's cause of death is still pending and the State Law Enforcement Division is investigating.
Reported by: Lacy Larson (mother, held in a nearby cell) (family or their lawyers); Horry County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held her); State Law Enforcement Division (outside investigators).