Ronnie Ray Cook
Ronnie Ray Cook was held at the McMinn County Detention Center in Tennessee when he died on May 4, 2021. He relied on a urostomy bag for a serious medical condition. His son, Christopher Lee Cook, has sued, saying jail staff knew about the condition but did not provide the medical care he needed, and that this led to a deadly infection. Sheriff Joe Guy said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation ruled the death natural and that jail staff responded appropriately.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The sheriff says the TBI ruled the death natural from a deadly infection, while his son's lawsuit says jail staff knew he needed a urostomy bag and failed to provide needed medical care.
Reported by: Sheriff Joe Guy's office (the agency that held him); Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (outside investigators); Christopher Lee Cook, son, in a lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His son Christopher Lee Cook sued McMinn County over his death at the McMinn County Detention Center, and no settlement or award amount has been reported.