Ivan Howtopat
Ivan Howtopat, 24, was held at the Klickitat County Jail in May 2023, about five days after he was taken into custody. Medical examiner findings said his injuries were consistent with hanging, and the manner was given as suicide. His parents and their attorney question whether jail staff recognized his opioid withdrawal, screened him properly and got him medical care. His mother recalled his call from jail, in which he worried about returning to fentanyl and asked his parents to pick him up. The sheriff's office did not respond to requests for comment.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled the death a suicide by hanging, while his parents and their attorney say jail staff did not recognize his opioid withdrawal, screen him properly or get him medical care.
Reported by: medical examiner or coroner; Klickitat County Jail (the agency that held him); his parents and their attorney.