Ryan Everson
Ryan Everson, 42, worked as a carpenter and was the father of three; his children were his world, according to his brother, and his ex-wife, Shawna Almendarez, said he tried to be present in their lives. He died on January 23, 2023, about ten days after being taken into the Clay County Jail in Missouri, where he was found hanging in his cell. Jail officials said he died by suicide and that he was checked hourly and not on suicide watch because he showed no signs of distress. His family says he had seizures and head injuries that were not adequately treated and that he was placed alone in an unmonitored cell, and his death is under investigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). Jail officials told his family he died by suicide, but his family says staff did not treat his seizures and head injuries and left him alone in an unmonitored cell, while the jail says he was checked hourly and was not on suicide watch.
Reported by: Clay County Jail officials, as told to his mother and brother (the agency that held him); his family; The Independent, autopsy report reviewed (reporters).