An independent autopsy ordered by George Floyd’s family attorney determined his cause of death to be asphyxia due to the compression on his neck and back leading to a lack of blood flow to his brain.
The findings of the autopsy were announced today (June 1) by Attorney Ben Crump and his co-counsel Antonoio Rommanucci who are representing the Floyd family.
Last week, Hennnepin County’s medical examiner ruled that Floyd’s death was not down to ‘strangulation or asphyxia’ and instead presented that underlying health conditions were the primary cause of Floyds death as well as potential intoxicants, he concluded that the restraint could have exacerbated these conditions, but ultimately stated the officers actions were not the cause of his death.
The independent review announced today completely refutes all the findings from the original medical examiners autopsy – not only confirming asphyxiation as the cause of death but also contradicting the original findings in relation to Mr Floyd’s, pre -existing medical conditions with the family and both Doctors reviewing the case stating Mr Floyd was of good health.
Dr Micheal Baden also clarifies that the true result of the pressure on his neck could not be determined in an autopsy, he explains: “It can only be seen when the pressure is being applied- or in this instance in the video.’
He added: “Pressure on the neck can interfere with blood flow and oxygen to the brain.”
The doctor also goes on to clarify that contrary to some of the information being circulated, being able to talk is not indicative of being able to breath, and suggests that not listening these pleas and directly contributes to the tragic outcomes in cases like these.
It is yet unknown if these new findings will change the classifications of the charges currently being brought against the officers.
As it currently stands only one officer – Derek Chauvin – has been charged with third degree murder.