Robert Hawkins Jr.
Robert Hawkins Jr., 25, of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, was held in the La Crosse County Jail, where he was kept in the infirmary after complaining of medical problems. He died on Dec. 4, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center after his condition worsened. La Crosse County Medical Examiner John Steers ruled the death natural, due to end-stage heart failure linked to an enlarged heart. A notice of claim filed by his attorney says inadequate medical care during his time in custody caused his discomfort, decline and death, and it was also filed on behalf of his two minor children. He left two children.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled the death natural from end-stage heart failure, while his attorney's notice of claim says jail staff gave him inadequate medical care that caused his decline and death.
Reported by: La Crosse County Medical Examiner John Steers (medical examiner or coroner); Robert Hawkins Jr.'s attorney, through a notice of claim (family or their lawyers).