Leroy "Nicky" Taylor
Leroy "Nicky" Henry Taylor, 71, was held at the Downtown Detention Center in Denver when he died on February 9, 2022. His family says he was taken to Denver Health with COVID-19, returned to the jail, and then reported severe chest pain and trouble swallowing, but did not get the care they believe he needed. The sheriff's department said staff found him unresponsive in a housing unit, and the medical examiner ruled the death natural. His son's lawsuit alleges that Denver Health staff failed to treat his worsening condition, including blue hands and feet, and that other people held there and sheriff's employees raised concern about him; in July 2025 a federal judge allowed claims against Denver Health and five staff members to proceed to trial, and the defendants argue the case is negligence rather than deliberate indifference.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled the death natural, but his son's lawsuit says Denver Health staff and sheriff's employees ignored obvious signs of his decline and failed to treat his worsening condition.
Reported by: medical examiner or coroner; his son's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His son sued on behalf of his estate, and in July 2025 a federal judge allowed claims against Denver Health and five staff members to proceed to a jury, with no settlement or award reported.