Kimberly Kertz
Kimberly Kertz, 38, of Pevely, left behind three children. She died on February 9, 2022, in her cell at the Crystal City Jail in Missouri, and was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after. In February 2025, her estate and her mother sued the city, Crystal City police officers and dispatchers, and Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District EMTs in federal court, alleging they withheld needed medical treatment and that she died of opiate withdrawal symptoms. The city said it plans to defend the employees named in the suit.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff. Her estate and mother's federal lawsuit says Crystal City police officers, dispatchers and Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District EMTs withheld needed medical treatment for opiate withdrawal.
Reported by: her estate and mother, in a federal lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: Her estate and her mother sued the city of Crystal City, police officers, dispatchers and ambulance EMTs in federal court in 2025, alleging they withheld needed medical treatment, and the city said it plans to defend the employees named in the suit.