Gary Smith
Gary Wayne Smith, 59, died on January 10, 2023, while held at the Harris County Jail in Texas. The Harris County Sheriff's Office said he had several medical conditions and was housed in the jail infirmary, where a medication nurse could not wake him, and that staff took him to the clinic, where he died that day. A lawsuit filed by his family, supported by attorney Ben Crump, alleges he was denied medical observation and care for a kidney disorder. His nephew, Kevin Smith, also died in the jail that month, and his daughter, Gabrielle Smith, has spoken publicly about the family's loss.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (neglect alleged). The Harris County Sheriff's Office says he had numerous medical conditions and died after medical staff found him unresponsive in the infirmary; his family's lawsuit says staff denied him medical observation and care for a kidney disorder.
Reported by: Harris County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); his family's lawsuit (attorney Ben Crump) (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family, represented by attorney Ben Crump, filed a lawsuit over his death at the Harris County Jail, and no settlement or award amount has been reported.
News reports (5)
- Sheriff Ed Gonzalez blames ‘inefficient court system’ for increasing deaths in Harris County Jail
- 13 Investigates: Harris County on track to exceed inmate death after 4 inmates die in the month of January
- FBI agrees to review two deaths at Harris County Jail as families demand federal investigation
- Texas jail victims’ family sue over deaths in custody
- Custodial death report 23-43-CJ