Autopsy: Chattanooga inmate died from pneumonia after heroin withdrawal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — An autopsy shows a Chattanooga inmate died after suffering from heroin withdrawal.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports the preliminary autopsy from the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office reveals 26-year-old Madison Bailee Deal died Aug. 18 from pneumonia that she contracted after inhaling vomit into her lungs while in withdrawal.

Her family’s attorneys Tom O’Neal and Bryan Hoss say officials at Silverdale Correctional Facility, where Deal was taken into custody Aug. 10 on a probation violation, knew Deal was withdrawing from heroin and was vomiting and failed to provide adequate medical care for her.

Deal was taken to a hospital after collapsing in her cell two days before her death.

Corrections Corporation of America spokesman Jonathan Burns says they’re unable to discuss any inmate’s health information due to privacy concerns.