Michael Blume
Michael Blume, 36, died in custody at Denver's Downtown Detention Center on May 31, 2024. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner attributed the death to the toxic effects of fentanyl. An internal affairs investigation by the Denver Sheriff Department found that a deputy was watching TV on a computer and did not notice other people in the housing pod trying to revive Blume for several minutes. The deputy was given a 30-day suspension. Blume was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after 1 a.m.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (neglect alleged). The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner attributes the death to the toxic effects of fentanyl, and a Denver Sheriff Department internal affairs investigation found a deputy was watching TV on his computer and did not notice other people in the pod trying to revive him for several minutes.
Reported by: Denver Office of the Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); Denver Sheriff Department internal affairs investigation (the agency that held them).