Man Involved in Bristol Hospital Shooting Dies Weeks Later; Family Seeks Answers
Bristol, TN – A tragic and confusing series of events has left a family mourning and searching for answers after a man, Matthew Stoddard, passed away weeks following an incident at Bristol Regional Medical Center (BRMC) on May 22. Matthew never fully recovered from the injuries he sustained and died on July 13, leading his family to question the actions taken by law enforcement and hospital security that ultimately led to his death.
According to **Steven Stoddard**, Matthew’s brother, the family is grappling with the reality of losing their loved one under such troubling circumstances. “It was made plain to everyone that he was having a mental health crisis and needed help, and no one helped him,” Steven shared on the morning of his brother’s funeral in Chattanooga.
The Initial Incident
Matthew Stoddard’s tragic journey began when he was arrested for **aggravated trespassing and resisting arrest** on May 21. At the time, he had traveled from Chattanooga to Kingsport with his wife and three children, seemingly heading for Dayton, Ohio. The family was found inside a private residence, with Matt reportedly acting out of sorts and making little sense during interactions with the homeowners and responding deputies.
Reports detail a violent confrontation at the county detention center, where deputies resorted to shackles and other measures to control the situation. Yet, it was during an altercation at BRMC on the following day—when Matthew allegedly tried to grab a Sullivan County officer’s weapon—that things tragically escalated.
The Hospital Struggle
Authorities reported that Matthew attempted to seize the officer’s holstered firearm while at the hospital. In response, the officer delivered multiple blows to Matthew’s head in an effort to subdue him. During the struggle, the officer’s baton was also involved, and Matthew reportedly struck himself with it. The chaotic scene drew more security personnel, who eventually subdued Matthew using pepper spray. What followed was a medical emergency; Matthew suffered cardiac arrest and required emergency heart surgery.
This event was part of what his brother refers to as a **mental health crisis**, a series of unfortunate events that culminated in physical struggles, both at the sheriff’s office and the hospital. Steven remains adamant that at multiple points, the situation could have been handled differently to prevent this tragic outcome.
Family’s Search for Answers
The Stoddard family feels they’ve been kept in the dark about the full extent of Matthew’s injuries and the events leading up to his final days. They express significant frustration over delays in being informed and allowed to see Matthew during his critical recovery period. “They treated him like a criminal, but he needed help,” Steven recalled.
Both the **Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO)** and hospital security’s handling of the incidents are under scrutiny. Meanwhile, the **Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)** has been called to look into the events, particularly given that a service weapon was discharged during the altercation at BRMC. The SCSO has staunchly defended its procedures, stating that internal investigations supported the actions of its deputies as being within policy.
For Steven and the rest of the Stoddard family, the pursuit of clarity and justice is paramount. “We’re going to do what we can to fight for Matt, and we want this to be as public as possible,” Steven said, determined to shed light on the incidents. To them, this is not merely a case of enforcing the law but rather a call for better handling of mental health crises to prevent future tragedies.
A Beloved Figure Remembered
Matthew Stoddard, who worked as a technical specialist with Lee Company, left behind a loving family and many friends who describe him as full of life and caring deeply for those around him. Steven recalls fond memories of family gatherings at places like Center Hill Lake, highlighting the stark contrast to the tragic manner of his passing. Matthew was and remains, in his family’s memory, a vibrant, passionate individual wronged in a moment of vulnerability.
Conclusion
The death of *Matthew Stoddard* serves as a tragic reminder of the potential consequences when a mental health crisis intersects with law enforcement. As his family continues to seek answers and advocate for change, their hope is that no other family will endure a similar ordeal.
