Gerlinde Spring Lynch
Gerlinde Spring Lynch, 47, died on February 18, 2026, while being booked into the Clackamas County Jail in Oregon City, Oregon. Jail video shows her saying 'I can't breathe' while deputies used a restraint chair, and a broken handcuff key delayed removing her cuffs, according to reporting by NewsBreak. The Oregon State Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing cardiac arrest tied to methamphetamine toxicity, physical restraint, obesity and hypertensive heart disease. The Clackamas County District Attorney's Office found no criminal negligence and declined to file charges, while her father's attorney has filed notice of intent to bring federal civil rights and wrongful death claims that dispute the deputies' conduct.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The Oregon State Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing methamphetamine toxicity, physical restraint, obesity and hypertensive heart disease, and her father's lawsuit disputes the deputies' conduct during the restraint chair use.
Reported by: Oregon State Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); her father and his attorney.
Lawsuit: Her father has filed notice of intent to bring federal civil rights and wrongful death claims over her death, and no settlement or award has been reported.