Frank Burkert
Frank Burkert, 59, of Coraopolis, died at the Allegheny County Jail in December 2018. His daughters remember him as a man who worked in the oil fields, ran a crane, always kept a motorcycle, and once brought home a shelter dog that became a beloved family pet. The county medical examiner's external exam classified his death as natural, from heart failure. His daughters say the cause is consistent with his long-standing heart and liver problems, and they want a full autopsy and his medical records to learn whether he received his medication and treatment while held, which the jail says federal medical privacy laws limit.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed). The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office ruled the death natural from heart failure, and his daughters want a full autopsy and his medical records to learn whether he received his medication and treatment while held.
Reported by: Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office (medical examiner or coroner).