Robert Forrest
Robert Forrest, 77, who had lived most of his life in Norfolk and more recently in Newport News, died at the Newport News City Jail on August 28, 2021. Survivors listed in his online obituary include a sister, nine children and 21 grandchildren. According to the state medical examiner's office, COVID-19 was the primary cause of death, with preexisting conditions listed as contributing causes. His attorney questioned why he was not taken to a hospital, and the sheriff's office did not answer the Daily Press's questions about when he was last seen alive or whether he had been tested for COVID-19.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The state medical examiner ruled COVID-19 the primary cause, with preexisting conditions contributing, while his attorney questioned why he was not taken to a hospital and the sheriff's office did not answer questions about when he was last seen alive or whether he was tested for COVID-19.
Reported by: Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia (medical examiner or coroner); his attorney; Newport News Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him).