Robert Ingalsbe
Robert Ingalsbe, 34, was the father of two young children, and his father described him as a "wonderful, loving person" who struggled after an opioid addiction. In October 2019 he died after being held at the Erie County Holding Center in Buffalo, and the Erie County Sheriff's Office said he attempted suicide on a Friday afternoon. The family says they told the sheriff's office he was suicidal when he was taken into custody. After he was declared brain dead, a judge lifted the warrant at the family's request, and he was released to them so his organs could be donated to save at least five other lives. His father disputes how quickly the family was allowed to see him, and the state Commission of Correction's review of the death remained open as of 2024.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The Erie County Sheriff's Office says he attempted suicide by hanging, and his family says they told the sheriff's office he was suicidal when he was taken into custody, but his father disputes how quickly the family was allowed to see him.
Reported by: Erie County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); his family; the state Commission of Correction (outside investigators).