Michael Watkins
Michael Watkins, 37, was held at the Marion County Jail in Florida when he began suffering severe abdominal pain and was found doubled over in his cell on January 31, 2021. He was taken to AdventHealth Ocala Hospital, where he died after emergency surgery for an obstructed bowel. The Medical Examiner's Office attributed his death to ischemic necrosis of the intestines, which led to sepsis, shock and organ failure. Jail staff said they were unaware of his medical issues until the day he was hospitalized, but his family disputes this and believes he could have survived with earlier hospital care. His sister Pattie Stephens, who calls herself his "second mother," described him as someone she raised and cared for, and he left a 13-year-old son whom she later adopted.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death caused by ischemic necrosis of the intestines leading to sepsis and organ failure, while his family disputes jail staff's claim they were unaware of his medical issues and believes earlier hospital care could have saved him.
Reported by: Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); Marion County Jail staff (the agency that held him); his family.