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Died in prison

Rebecca Fackler

57 years old · died May 17, 2026 · Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility, Washtenaw County, Michigan

Rebecca Fackler, 57, died on May 17, 2026, while held at Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Sara Edwards, a former incarcerated woman who knew her, said Fackler dealt with addiction and mental health struggles and still tried to support others: "She reached a lot of people." Attorneys with the Flood Law Firm say Fackler was diabetic, had recently had surgery, and was refused access to the prison's health care unit when she sought care that day. The Michigan Department of Corrections has not given a cause of death, the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's autopsy is pending, and the state said it did not suspect foul play while a Michigan State Police investigation continues.

Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). The Michigan Department of Corrections says staff and EMS performed lifesaving measures and the death is under investigation, while the Flood Law Firm alleges corrections staff refused to let her go to the health care unit when she sought care, and says she was diabetic and had recently had surgery.

Reported by: Michigan Department of Corrections (the agency that held her); Flood Law Firm (family or their lawyers).

Lawsuit: Her attorneys filed a civil lawsuit alleging she did not receive necessary medical attention, and no settlement or award has been reported.

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