Makena Buckland
Makena Buckland, 21, was held at the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) jail in King County, Washington, in March 2024. According to the King County Medical Examiner, she died on March 5 of brain death from lack of oxygen during efforts to revive her, with choking caused by vomiting related to opioid use, and the medical examiner classified the death as natural. Her cellmate's handwritten account describes reading to her in the evening, making sure she slept on her side, and staying with her as she died. Her mother's attorney says staff should have sent her for emergency treatment much earlier, and the family is seeking surveillance video and medical records. Sources differ on the date of death, with an earlier medical examiner's office report giving March 4 while the cause was still under investigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The King County Medical Examiner ruled the death natural, from brain death due to lack of oxygen during revival efforts after vomiting linked to opioid use, while her mother's attorney says staff should have sent her for emergency treatment much earlier.
Reported by: King County Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); Her mother's attorney (family or their lawyers).