Russell Hammer
Russell Hammer died in November 2017 while held at the San Luis Obispo County Jail, about three weeks after being taken into custody. According to the coroner's report, he died of a massive pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot that began in his leg. His wife, Margo Benson-Hammer, filed a wrongful death lawsuit with her attorney, Paula Canny, alleging that he did not receive mental health treatment and that his medical and psychological needs went unmet. The county rejected these claims and said it would defend itself.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The coroner's report says a massive pulmonary embolism from a leg blood clot killed him, while his wife and attorney allege in a wrongful death lawsuit that he was denied mental health treatment and his medical and psychological needs went unmet.
Reported by: county coroner; Margo Benson-Hammer and attorney Paula Canny (wrongful death lawsuit) (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His wife, Margo Benson-Hammer, filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging his medical and mental health needs went unmet at the San Luis Obispo County Jail; the county has rejected the claims and says it will defend itself.