John Griswold
John Griswold, a 54-year-old man, died in 2018 while held in the Livingston County jail in Michigan. According to his estate's federal wrongful death lawsuit, he had been medically cleared at a hospital before being taken to the jail, and he died in his cell several hours later. The family's attorney says deputies ignored an obvious medical emergency, while the sheriff says the county is not liable and a jury should decide. A federal judge allowed the case against the county and Trinity Health to proceed and dismissed claims against the sheriff and three deputies, and the case has continued through rulings in 2025 and 2026.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (neglect alleged). His family's federal lawsuit says deputies ignored an obvious medical emergency after he returned to his cell from a hospital visit, and that he died there.
Reported by: Griswold's family, through their federal wrongful death lawsuit and attorney Brian McKeen (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His estate filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Livingston County jail officials, and the case against the county and Trinity Health is proceeding, with no settlement or award reported.