Ronald Tracy Bush Dies Following Comal County, Texas Jail Incarceration

The Comal County Sheriff’s Department, in New Braunfels, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Ronald Tracy Bush. Mr. Bush was 53 years old at the time of his death. We provide in this post information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone. 

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On 06/08/23, Ronald Tracy Bush DOB:XX/XX/70, appeared in Comal County District Court for a hearing in case #CRXXXX-XXX. The bond in the case was increased by Judge Wright-Reneau. A Alias Capias for violation of conditions of bond – Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or more was issued and Mr. Bush was taken into custody. Mr. Bush was transported and released in the care and control of the Comal County Jail. Mr. Bush was booked into the jail with unknown preexisting health issue. While incarcerated Mr. Bush requested stool softener as he had no bowl movement for 5 days. Mr. Bush also complained of back pain/issues. On 06/14/2023, Mr. Bush had complaints of sickness and abdominal pain. Mr. Bush was transported from the jail to the Resolute Hospital emergency room and admitted. Examination revealed Mr. Bush to be suffering from diabetic keto acidosis, sepsis, high blood sugar, and low sodium. Mr. Bush was treated and transferred to the intensive care unit for further care. On 06/15/2023, Mr. Bush was placed on a ventilator due to low oxygen levels. Mr. Bush remained in care and was further treated for a urinary tract infection. On 06/16/2023, Mr. Bush was released from custody on personal recognizance (PR) bond; authorized by Judge Leonie. On 06/30/2023, a tracheotomy was placed and Mr. Bush was treated for bleeding of the liver due to cirrhosis. Mr. Bush remained in care and continued to decline. On 07/11/2023, an examination revealed Mr. Bush to be suffering from perforated bowls and emergent surgery was performed. Hospital personnel consulted with Mr. Bush’s family regarding his poor medical status and they instructed hospital personnel to place Mr. Bush on comfort measures. At approximately 8:15 pm on 07/11/23, Mr. Bush was placed on comfort measures. Death was pronounced by Nurse Practitioner Whitehawk at 9:32 pm. There is no known history of suicidal ideations or past attempts. There is no known history of drug or tobacco abuse. There is a suspected history of alcohol abuse. No signs of trauma. Foul play is not suspected. Mr. Bush is a 53-year-old Caucasian man with brown hair, brown eyes, all natural teeth, and a beard and mustache. Mr. Bush was observed lying supine on a medical bed in the intensive care unit. Mr. Bush was noted wearing a hospital gown. A medical tube was noted in place to the right nostril. A medical tube was noted in place to the neck. EKG patches were noted to the chest and abdomen. Intravenous catheters were noted to the bilateral arms. A medical identification band was noted to the left wrist, reading, “BUSH, RONALD T” and “MRN #000610069”. A medical bandage was noted to the abdomen. A skin defect was noted to the abdomen. A urinary catheter was noted in place. A skin defect was noted to the right ear. A large hole was noted to the abdomen that appeared consistent with a medical surgery. Swelling was noted to the bilateral feet. The back was unremarkable. Rigor was noted to be absent from the body. Lividity blanched with light pressure and appeared consistent with Mr. Bush’s position upon CSS arrival. Justice of the Peace Mike Rust was informed of the death and ordered a full autopsy to be completed at the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office.”

The report admits that Mr. Bush exhibited medical problems and requested medical treatment. However, the report provides no information regarding any medical treatment Mr. Bush was receiving prior to his transport to the Resolute Hospital emergency room. 

The United States Constitution requires Texas county jails to provide medical care to detainees. If jailers are deliberately indifferent to the medical needs of a detainee, and a detainee dies as a result, then certain surviving family members may be able to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our firm is handling a number of such cases across Texas.

Written By: Dean Malone

Dean Malone

Dean Malone is the founder of Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., a jail neglect civil rights law firm. Mr. Malone earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, and from Baylor University School of Law with a general civil litigation concentration. Mr. Malone served in several staff positions for the Baylor Law Review, including executive editor. Mr. Malone is an experienced trial lawyer, trying a number of cases to jury verdict and also handling arbitrations through final hearing. He heads the jail neglect section of his law firm, in which lawyers litigate cases involving serious injury and death resulting from jail neglect and abuse. Lawyers frequently refer cases to Mr. Malone due to his focus on this very complicated civil rights practice area.