Gary Smith
Gary Smith, 59, had numerous medical conditions, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, and his daughter, Gabrielle Smith, has spoken publicly about the family's loss and their demand for justice. On January 10, 2023, while he was housed in the Harris County Jail infirmary, a medication nurse could not wake him, the sheriff's office said. A lawsuit filed by the family through attorney Ben Crump says he was denied medical observation and care for a kidney disorder. His brother, Kevin Smith Sr., said he was told by phone that Gary died of a seizure, though Gary had no known history of seizures. The family is seeking answers about how he died.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The Harris County Sheriff's Office says he was found unresponsive in the jail infirmary and died after CPR, while his family's lawsuit says staff denied him medical observation and care for a kidney disorder, and his brother says the cause was a seizure.
Reported by: Harris County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); his family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers); Kevin Smith Sr., his brother (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family sued through attorney Ben Crump over his death in the Harris County Jail, alleging he was denied medical observation and care for a kidney disorder, and the case has no reported settlement or award.
Sources (6)
- 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
- Harris County Jail: Families of men who died in custody at a Houston jail demand Justice Department probe of facility
- Texas jail victims’ family sue over deaths in custody
- Custodial death report 23-43-CJ