Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller, 24, of Harvey, died at Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans on March 23, 2015. Authorities say he died of asphyxiation after wrapping a telephone cord around his neck, which they describe as suicide. His parents' federal wrongful-death lawsuit says he told guards he was suicidal hours before he was found dead, and that deputies left him isolated for more than four hours instead of keeping him safe. The lawsuit also says a lieutenant disparaged him in front of others on the tier, and the sheriff's office has not said whether any employees were disciplined.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). Authorities say he died of asphyxiation after wrapping a telephone cord around his neck, while his parents' wrongful-death lawsuit says he told guards he was suicidal hours before he was found dead and that deputies left him isolated for more than four hours instead of keeping him safe.
Reported by: Authorities (the agency that held him); Miller's parents in a wrongful-death lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His parents sued in federal court over his death at Orleans Parish Prison, alleging deputies failed to protect him from suicide; no settlement or award amount is reported.