Joseph Bernard Hunter
Joseph Bernard Hunter, 35, of Washington, N.C., was buried in Durham on April 21, 2021, according to an online obituary. He died on April 15, 2021, while held in a holding cell at the Durham County Jail. The Raleigh News & Observer reported that he was not observed while in the cell and was later found on his side in respiratory distress before he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner attributes his death to accidental fentanyl toxicity, with alcohol as a contributing factor, and the State Bureau of Investigation investigated.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (neglect alleged). The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner attributes the death to accidental fentanyl poisoning with alcohol as a contributing factor, and jail staff did not observe him in the holding cell before he was found in respiratory distress.
Reported by: Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner).