Former NFL quarterback and social activist Colin Kaepernick is stepping in to assist the family of LaShawn Thompson, who died in a Fulton County Jail cell under suspicious circumstances in September 2022. Kaepernick is providing financial support for a second, independent autopsy after the medical examiner’s initial autopsy failed to determine the cause of the 35-year-old man’s death.
Thompson’s family firmly believes that the appalling and unsanitary conditions within the jail contributed to, if not caused, his death. However, the official autopsy report returned with an “undetermined” conclusion. Upon hearing about the case, Kaepernick reached out to Ben Crump, the family’s attorney, and offered to fund a second autopsy. Autopsies can typically cost anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000.
Kaepernick’s involvement stems from his desire to provide closure for Thompson’s family and his concern over the conditions in which LaShawn and other inmates, initially arrested for minor offenses like simple battery, were subjected to endure.
Thompson family attorney Michael Harper expressed outrage over the jail cell conditions, describing them as “inexcusable” and “deplorable.” He went on to say that the cell LaShawn was held in was not even fit for a diseased animal.
In an effort to shed light on the situation, the family released several photos of the jail cell and Thompson’s body, which appeared to be covered in bug bites. In response to the public outcry over the jail’s conditions, three high-ranking jail officials have resigned. Fulton County Sheriff has acknowledged the need for change, stating, “It’s clear to me that it’s time, past time, to clean house.” He also announced that “sweeping changes” would be made to the facility.
As for the second autopsy, Kaepernick and the Thompson family have already initiated the process of organizing the examination, seeking the truth and justice for LaShawn Thompson.
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