Jessica L. Ayers
Jessica L. Ayers, 41, was held at the Bay County Jail in Bay City, Michigan, when she became ill in her cell on October 28, 2023. Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham said she had a suspected drug overdose, and autopsy results reported by MLive.com showed fentanyl intoxication. Her cellmate pressed a panic button at about 4:15 a.m., and a source reported that staff gave her medical attention before she died inside the jail. The sheriff's office said staff responded and tried to help, and investigators believe another person held at the jail supplied the drugs.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose. Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham and the medical examiner's autopsy describe a fentanyl or drug overdose, with another inmate believed to have supplied the drugs.
Reported by: Bay County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held her); medical examiner's autopsy (medical examiner or coroner); court papers.