A makeshift memorial for George Floyd, adorned with flowers, signs, and balloons, remains near the site of his death while in Minneapolis police custody on May 29, 2020.
The findings of an independent autopsy regarding the death of George Floyd have been made public. Just a week prior, 46-year-old Floyd tragically lost his life after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. An autopsy commissioned by Floyd’s family concluded that his death resulted from “asphyxia due to neck and back compression, which caused a reduction of blood flow to the brain.”
Dr. Michael Baden and Dr. Allecia Wilson, the director of autopsy and forensic services at the University of Michigan Medical School, conducted the external investigation. Their report emphasized that the pressure from the officers and the handcuffs severely restricted Floyd’s diaphragm function. They also noted that Floyd appeared to have died at the scene. “Our findings align with what witnesses observed. There were no other health issues that could have contributed to his death,” Baden stated. He further clarified the misconception that speaking implies breathing, saying, “That’s not true.”
Floyd’s family attorney, Marcus Lee, stressed the role of “sustained pressure” in this tragic incident. “For George Floyd, the ambulance served as his hearse. Undoubtedly, he would still be alive today if not for the pressure on his neck from Derek Chauvin and the weight from two other officers,” Lee asserted.
When asked about the timeline of Floyd’s death, Baden indicated that it took approximately 3 minutes and 50 seconds from the time he was forced to the ground until he became motionless. Bystanders had been pleading for the officers to allow Floyd to breathe, asserting that he was lifeless. “After he became motionless, he showed no signs of breathing or struggle for another four to five minutes, during which time the knee remained on his neck until emergency services arrived and found no pulse,” Baden explained. He concluded that Floyd suffered cardiac arrest, and despite attempts at resuscitation, he did not recover. “In my opinion, he was dead after about four or five minutes,” Baden stated.
In contrast, a preliminary report from the Minneapolis coroner suggested that Floyd’s death stemmed from a combination of the officers’ restraint, his pre-existing health conditions, and potential intoxicants present in his system. It also specified that Chauvin’s knee was on Floyd’s neck for a total of 8 minutes and 46 seconds, with Floyd being non-responsive for 2 minutes and 53 seconds of that time.
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Summary:
The independent autopsy results of George Floyd reveal that his death was primarily caused by asphyxia due to neck and back compression. The findings have ignited further discussion on police practices and accountability. Floyd’s tragic passing underscores the dangers associated with excessive force and has sparked widespread calls for reform.