Inmate Jordan Clopton (Full Name: Jordan Augusta Clopton), 64, Died Following Medical Emergency At Texas Department of Criminal Justice Estelle Unit In Huntsville
WALKER COUNTY, TEXAS (November 5, 2023) - An inmate identified as Jordan Clopton has tragically died while staying at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Estelle Unit in Huntsville.
Walker County officials are saying that the incident began on June 30. Jordan Clopton was transported to the hospital in order to receive care for a medical condition.
He remained at the hospital for several months where his condition continued to decline. Sadly, on October 19 Jordan Clopton was pronounced dead by medical staff.
His caused of death listed in the in-custody death report was “pulmonary cardiac arrest related to ESRD and HF.” A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Huntsville Inmate Deaths
Cardiac related events remain one of the main causes of inmate deaths. According to the Journal of American Cardiology, “Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among individuals incarcerated, and those recently released have a higher risk of being hospitalized and dying of cardiovascular disease compared with the general population, even after accounting for differences in racial identity and socioeconomic status.” There are many ways that the stressors of jail can negatively impact heart conditions.
- The stressful nature of being in jail can elevate levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. Chronic stress is associated with various negative cardiovascular effects.
- Jail settings also give inmates limited opportunities for physical exercise.
- Inmates often have rather limited access to preventative care and mental healthcare.
All jails have a legal obligation to provide inmates with reasonably adequate care. This includes care for heart related illnesses. Failing to give an inmate care for their heart conditions is dangerous and much more likely to lead to a preventable death. when a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. A jail may contribute to an inmate death in a number of ways.
- Correctional officers may have contributed to an inmate’s death due to excessive force.
- Correctional officers may have failed to get an inmate quick medical care.
- Correctional officers may have failed to give an inmate the medication that they needed.
Jails are supposed to be proactive about keeping inmates safe and healthy. But in far too many situations, this does not take place. Jail officials will often wait until an inmate is in a medical emergency before they will bother helping. The family of any person that died in-custody may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Huntsville Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jordan Clopton. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. It is our sincere hope that greater oversight of the jails across Walker County will help prevent other tragedies like this. State officials need to do their part and make sure that these jails are upholding constitutional standards.
Do you need more information about a Walker County inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping inmates understand their rights and holding jails accountable. Whether you just have legal questions about your rights or you need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.