Inmate Jordan White (Full Name: Jordan Deshun White) Died Following Medical Emergency At Texas Department of Criminal Justice Ferguson Unit In Midway
MADISON COUNTY, TEXAS (December 29, 2023) - A 25-year-old inmate identified as Jordan White has tragically died following some type of medical emergency at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Ferguson Unit in Midway.
TDCJ Ferguson Unit officials are saying that the incident began on December 22. Correctional officers found Jordan White unresponsive in his jail cell.
He was transported to the jail infirmary where life-saving measures were initiated. EMS were called to the scene and took over medical care.
Jordan White was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounce dead by medical staff. His medical cause of death was listed as “cardiac arrest.”
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For TDCJ Ferguson Unit Inmate Deaths
Cardiac events remain one of the main causes of inmate deaths in the United States. According to the Journal of American Cardiology, “Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death among the 2.2 million individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities. Those recently released from correctional facilities have a higher risk of being hospitalized and dying of CVD compared with the general population, even after accounting for differences in racial identity and socioeconomic status.” There are many factors beyond cardiovascular disease that could lead to a heart attack.
- Illicit drug use
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Alcohol intoxication
- Excessive force
All jails have a legal obligation to provide inmates with reasonably adequate care for their medical conditions. This includes care for acute health conditions such as a heart attack. Ideally, jails are supposed to be proactive about keeping inmates healthy. But far too often jail officials will wait to intervene until after an inmate has gone into medical distress. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any inmate death.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
It can be hard to know what to do after someone that you love has died in custody. To make matters worse, jails are rarely transparent about how any death took place. They are often quick to label inmate deaths as “natural.” But the fact of the matter is that many supposedly natural deaths involve some amount of medical neglect. The family of any inmate that died in custody may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Investigating TDCJ Ferguson Unit Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jordan White. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a TDCJ Ferguson Unit inmate death? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are held accountable for their negligent actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.