The autopsy report of the 19-year-old who died in MPD custody has been published

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Autopsy results for Courtney Ross, 19, list the cause of death as a combination of complications from cocaine, methamphetamine and ethanol intoxication and exposure to environmental heat.

Ross died in August 2023 after interacting with Memphis Police officers in Midtown, behind an apartment complex off Madison Avenue.

The property owner called MPD about Ross looking through boxes that may have contained rat poison. Other nearby residents called that Ross was looking into cars and going through mailboxes.

MPD said Ross fled from police when they arrived on the scene. When officers stopped him, they placed him in the backseat of a police car. When they noticed that he was out of breath, they called an ambulance, which transported him to the hospital, where – according to MPD – he died.

The officers concerned have been sent on leave.

Ross’ family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents several family members of people who died as a result of interactions with local law enforcement.

The medical examiner’s report also lists sickle cell anemia as another significant condition. The report also noted that Ross’ body temperature was 102.56 degrees.

“According to available weather data, including information from the National Weather Service, the ambient temperature was up to 34 degrees Fahrenheit and the heat index was 106 degrees Fahrenheit,” the report said. “Mr Ross was wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt and trousers and was exerting considerable physical effort during the pursuit.

“Environmental and physical factors combined with the presence of stimulants in his bloodstream likely contributed to his hyperemic state.”

Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy said during a June 11, 2024 press conference that no charges will be filed against MPD officers in Ross’s death.