Leroy Taylor
Leroy Taylor, 71, entered the Denver jail on November 7, 2021, and was treated there for COVID-19 and later for worsening health problems. A doctor cleared him to return to the general population on February 8, 2022, and the next day he was found unresponsive in his bunk, on February 9, 2022. The medical examiner determined the death was natural. His son's lawsuit argues that staff ignored obvious signs of his decline, and in July 2025 a federal judge ruled that a jury may decide the claims against Denver Health and five staff members.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled the death natural, but his son's lawsuit says staff ignored obvious signs of his decline after he was treated for COVID-19 and worsening health problems.
Reported by: medical examiner or coroner; son's lawsuit (family or their lawyers); federal judge.
Lawsuit: His son filed a lawsuit alleging that staff ignored signs of his decline, and a federal judge in July 2025 allowed a jury to decide the claims against Denver Health and five staff members, with no payment reported.