George Thacker
George Thacker was a longtime Rhea County county executive in Tennessee and a well-known local musician who played harmonica at the Grand Ole Opry several times. He died on December 26, 2022, at a satellite prison camp adjacent to the Federal Correctional Institution in Edgefield, South Carolina, about 17 days after he was taken into federal custody. The Bureau of Prisons said his death was related to COVID-19, and the Edgefield County deputy coroner ruled it natural, citing complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer and peptic ulcer disease. His family's attorney, James Slater, disputes that cause and says witnesses describe a lack of appropriate medical response; the Office of Inspector General is reported to be conducting an internal review.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The deputy coroner ruled the death natural from complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer, the Bureau of Prisons said it was related to COVID-19, and his family's attorney James Slater disputes the cause, saying witnesses describe staff giving him no appropriate medical response.
Reported by: Robbie Harter, deputy coroner of Edgefield County, South Carolina (medical examiner or coroner); Bureau of Prisons (the agency that held him); family's attorney James Slater (family or their lawyers).