‘Positional Asphyxia’ Suspected in Teen’s Death Following Memphis Youth Villages Incident
Sudden Death of 17-Year-Old Alegend Jones Sparks Concern and Controversy
The tragic and unexpected death of 17-year-old Alegend Jones has caused shockwaves of concern across the nation. According to an autopsy report, ‘positional asphyxia’ may have contributed to the death of the teen who passed away after an altercation at Memphis’ Youth Villages. However, the precise cause of death remains ambiguous, spurring further investigation into the incident that occurred mid-November 2023.
Uncertainties Surrounding Circumstances of Death
The autopsy report indicated that ‘positional asphyxia’, a condition where the body is positioned in a way that impedes breathing, could have played a part in Jones’ death. Further, asthma was also noted as a contributing factor in the report. Nevertheless, without definitive knowledge regarding her precise positioning during the physical restraint, the reported cause of death remains uncertain.
Youth Villages Responds
In response to the findings, Youth Villages confirmed that they employed appropriate therapeutic hold techniques and provided medical staff during the incident. The organization asserts strict adherence to the Crisis Prevention Institute’s (CPI) techniques and safety training protocols to ensure the safety of both staff and young people in their care.
The ‘Undetermined’ Manner of Death Label
Alegend Jones’ autopsy report labelled the manner of her death as ‘undetermined’. This categorization, according to Dr. Donald Richard Jason of North Carolina, is given when medical examiners cannot conclusively determine if the death resulted from natural causes.
Additional Insights from the Autopsy Report
The autopsy showed ‘complications of restraint’ as the listed cause of death, with asthma as a contributing factor. Jones was apparently calm and in no evident physical distress prior to her physical restraint, and was unresponsive after.
Specific instances during Jones’ physical restraint were captured on video, showing multiple staff members rotating in and out of the restraining group. Eventually, the teenager attempts standing up with the aid of staff members. However, after recognizing her lack of pulse, they started giving her CPR and called emergency services.
Alegend Jones ‘Restraint’ Incident Investigated
Upon her sudden collapse, Jones was transferred to St. Francis Hospital and later taken to Methodist Germantown Hospital. Despite extensive efforts to save her life, Jones was pronounced dead due to an increased swelling on her brain, as per the autopsy report.
‘Positional Asphyxia’ Manifestations
Positional asphyxia, as Dr. Jason explained, occurs over several minutes, and may result from a variety of scenarios, such as a chokehold or positioning face-down. This diagnosis is not without controversies, and its role in Jones’ death remains in question. If new pertinent information surfaces, an alteration to the autopsy findings would be considered.
Ongoing Investigations
The incident at Youth Villages is under investigation by the Bartlett Police Department, with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services also confirming a pending investigation. For now, the Shelby County District Attorney’s office has withheld comments on the autopsy findings or forthcoming charges, citing ongoing investigation.
External Signs of Injury
The autopsy not only investigated Jones’ cause of death but also recorded other injuries present on her body at the time – such as wounds on her shoulder and hip, some bruises, and a hemorrhage in her right eye. However, these injuries are not necessarily linked to the main incident that resulted in her death.
The Autopsy Reveals Elevated Chemical Levels
The toxicology analysis indicated the presence of prescription medicines and elevated levels of creatinine, sodium, chloride, and urea nitrogen in Jones’ system, indicative of what is often a symptom of severe dehydration.
The cause behind this sudden and tragic death continues to be shrouded in mystery, inevitably adding to the grief of Jones’ family, friends, and loved ones, and spurring public calls for further thorough investigation.
