William Blake Anderson
William Blake Anderson, 29, died in April 2021 while held at the St. Joseph County jail in South Bend, Indiana. An autopsy attributed his death to complications from drug withdrawal, including dehydration. His estate's lawsuit says jail staff did not properly assess him or have him seen by a doctor. St. Joseph County agreed to pay nearly $695,000 to settle the case, with part of the payment going to his son in installments from age 18 to 35.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The autopsy attributed his death to complications from drug withdrawal, including dehydration, and the estate's lawsuit says jail staff did not properly assess him or have him seen by a doctor; IndyStar investigation data lists the cause as undetermined.
Reported by: autopsy; estate lawsuit; IndyStar investigation data (reporters).
Lawsuit: William Blake Anderson's estate sued St. Joseph County over his death, and the county agreed to pay nearly $695,000 to settle the case.