Colin Kaepernick Will Fund Independent Autopsy of Lashawn Thompson Who Died in Bug Infested Cell
Colin Kaepernick with the San Francisco 49ers
Photo: AP PHOTO/TED S. WARREN.
By: Omar Cook
According to civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick will fund an independent autopsy of Lashawn Thompson, a Fulton County Jail inmate who passed away last year while in custody in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thompson's family alleges that he was consumed by bed bugs and lice, as evidenced by the bite marks that were discovered all over his body. Colin Kaepernick, a free agent in the NFL and activist, is now offering his support to Thompson's family.
These are the conditions of the Fulton County Jail, where Lashawn Thompson was found dead, covered in lice and feces. At the time of his death, over 90% of his unit was severly malnourished. EVERY person had lice or scabies.
— Clara T Green (@ClaraTGreen) April 13, 2023
He was 35 years old. pic.twitter.com/OnQYGgo4ZL
Although the initial autopsy report from the Fulton County medical examiner listed Lashawn Thompson's cause of death as "undetermined," it did acknowledge an "extremely severe" bug infestation that may have exacerbated other health problems. Yesterday, on April 20th, it was revealed that Colin Kaepernick will finance a second autopsy. The former San Francisco 49ers player reached out to civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump, who is representing the victim's family, to ensure that accurate information about Thompson's death is obtained.
At the press conference, Attorney Ben Crump announced that Colin Kaepernick would help fund an independent autopsy of Lashawn Thompson. The medical examiner’s report did not determine a cause of death but did note the severe bed bug infestation. pic.twitter.com/BWDg9DJFjl
— Matthew Pearson (@justmattphotoj) April 20, 2023
Michael Harper, who is legally representing Thompson's family, stated, "The cell he was in was not fit for a diseased animal. This is inexcusable and it’s deplorable." After expressing his condolences to Thompson's family, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat issued a statement acknowledging that the type of infestations that led to Thompson's death could be a recurring issue in a facility where many detainees sleep on the floor due to overcrowding. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has taken measures by initiating an inquiry into the jail where Thompson passed away, as well as two other county jails.
Colin Kaepernick has previously supported families of victims in similar circumstances. As per Sports Illustrated, the former quarterback disclosed in 2022 that he would fund several independent investigations via his Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative. Kaepernick continues to be a voice for change and is using his platform to fight for injustices around America.
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