by The Iosco County Prosecutor’s Office announced that no criminal charges will be filed in connection with the December 2024 death of Arista Hunt, an inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell the day after Christmas. After a detailed investigation, officials concluded that his death was the result of a fatal drug overdose rather than any criminal wrongdoing by jail staff.
Hunt, who had been recently treated at a local hospital for drug withdrawals and a possible seizure, was found dead on December 26 at the Iosco County Jail. An autopsy later confirmed the cause of death was drug-related.
- Incident Summary:
- Arista Hunt was found unresponsive in his cell on December 26, 2024.
- Life-saving measures were performed until medical personnel arrived and pronounced him dead.
- Medical History and Cause of Death:
- Hunt was treated on December 24 at My Michigan Tawas Hospital for withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl and methamphetamine.
- Autopsy by Medical Examiner Dr. William Marrone found cause of death to be toxic effects of fentanyl, phenylpropanolamine, and methamphetamine.
- Additional findings included pulmonary edema and urophagia (re-ingesting drugs through urine).
- No signs of trauma were present.
- Manner of death was ruled indeterminant.
- Jail Conduct and Use of Force Review:
- Video footage showed Hunt being restrained by correctional officers.
- A use-of-force expert reviewed the footage and concluded officers were not acting with malicious intent.
- The actions were described as an attempt to safely place Hunt into a restraint chair in response to his resistance.
- Legal Outcome:
- Prosecutor found no evidence of criminal actions by jail staff.
- Determined Hunt’s death was due to a drug overdose, not misconduct or abuse.
Statement from Prosecutor:
While acknowledging the tragic nature of Hunt’s death, the prosecutor stated it appeared to stem from “life choices” and noted Hunt as “another victim of the drug epidemic.” Authorities continue to emphasize the broader impact of substance abuse within the justice system.
