A newly released autopsy report reveals that a woman who died while an inmate in Clay County Jail died of hypertensive heart disease brought on by chronic drug abuse and opiate withdrawal.
The death of Michelle Bewley, 35, was ruled as "natural," according to the report released by the medical examiner.
While the effects of these drugs can negatively impact a person—a doctor says the symptoms of withdrawal can be severe.
The medical examiner's report shows that opiate withdrawals were a contributing factor in Michelle Bewley's death on March 5.
A doctor says quitting drugs cold turkey can sometimes be painful if one isn’t given treatment.
"An individual experiencing opiate withdrawal feels like they are going to die, but most often they do not."
Dr. Raymond Pomm specializes in addiction psychiatry.
He says quitting hard drugs can be difficult.
"It used to be very very difficult, when it was just heroin, now it's moreso. It has become almost impossible for most to quit because of fentanyl."
Fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine abuse with opiate withdrawal was a diagnosis in Michelle Bewley's report by the medical examiner’s office.
Witnesses say they saw Bewley screaming for hours, and never got help.
"They were like pain screams," Brittany Wink said. Wink was staying in the cell across from Bewley the day she died.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office says that in a medical emergency, medical is called and they respond to the inmate, and will perform a 15 minute documented watch with constant observation.
The Sheriff's Office tells us they cannot discuss any medical treatments regarding inmates.
Dr. Pomm feels that people experiencing opioid addiction are found in all walks of life.
The right approach in treating addiction could be the difference between life and death.
"They're going to be found in our criminal justice system, they'll be found in every walk of life. Let's adjudicate the criminal issues legally but let's treat them medically," Dr. Pomm said.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says the medical services manager consults with the physician on the method of treatment if an inmate experiences withdrawals.
Bewley was found unresponsive in a jail cell on March 5, according to police records. The Clay County Fire and Rescue was called out to assist around 8:25 p.m. She was later pronounced dead at 8:33 p.m.
Brittany Wink told First Coast News she was across the cell from Bewley. She said Bewley called for medical help for hours, but no jail staff came to her aid.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues to investigate Brewley's death, which is the standard when an inmate dies in Clay County.