Oran Smith
Oran Smith died on October 7, 2014, while held at McCormick Correctional Institution in South Carolina, according to records compiled by UCLA Law Behind Bars. The South Carolina Department of Corrections has classified his death as a suicide. The Index-Journal reported that he hanged himself in his cell and had made four unsuccessful suicide attempts in the six weeks before. The newspaper later reported that the state Department of Corrections agreed to a $350,000 settlement over his death.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). The Index-Journal reports that Smith hanged himself in his cell at McCormick Correctional after four unsuccessful suicide attempts in the preceding six weeks, and that his death led to a $350,000 settlement with the state Department of Corrections.
Reported by: Index-Journal (reporters); South Carolina Department of Corrections (the agency that held him).
Lawsuit: The South Carolina Department of Corrections settled a lawsuit over his death for $350,000.