Matthew Stoddard
Matthew Stoddard, 41, was taken into Sullivan County custody and then to Bristol Regional Medical Center for an evaluation. While he was at the hospital, deputies used force on him, and the hospital was locked down. His family has sued the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, saying the force was excessive and led to his death about seven weeks later, on July 13, 2024, in Bristol, Tennessee. A grand jury found that the deputies and hospital staff acted appropriately and declined to bring charges, and the family's lawyers said the case was 'a deeply troubling situation with a tragic outcome.'
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The family's lawsuit says deputies used excessive force that led to his death, while a grand jury found deputies and hospital staff acted appropriately.
Reported by: family's lawsuit against the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office (family or their lawyers); grand jury.
Lawsuit: His family sued the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office over his death, alleging deputies used excessive force, and no amount has been reported.