The results from George Floyd’s second autopsy are in. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, attorneys for the Floyd family revealed the 46-year-old man died of asphyxia from neck and back compression.
“George died because he needed a breath,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump said during a press conference on Monday afternoon (June 1). “I implore all of us to take a breath for justice, to take a breath for peace, to take a breath for our country and to take a breath for George.”
The independent autopsy was performed by renowned forensic medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden who — along with colleague Dr. Allecia Wilson — found the manner of Floyd’s death to be a homicide.
“[They found] Mr. Floyd’s death was homicide caused by asphyxia caused by neck and back compression that led to a lack of blood flow to the brain,” the report reads in part. “Sustained pressure on the right side of Mr. Floyd’s carotid artery impeded blood flow to the brain, and weight on his back impeded his ability to breathe.
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“The independent examiners found that weight on the back, handcuffs and positioning were contributory factors because they impaired the ability of Mr. Floyd’s diaphragm to function. From all the evidence, the doctor said it now appears Mr. Floyd died at the scene.”
The initial autopsy performed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner Offices stated there was nothing “to support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation.” That autopsy included the effects of being restrained, along with underlying health issues and “potential” intoxicants in Floyd’s system.
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There were no other details about intoxicants, and toxicology results are pending. In the original 911 call that prompted officers to confront Floyd, the caller describes the man suspected of paying with counterfeit money as “awfully drunk and he’s not in control of himself.”
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Dr. Baden performed autopsies on black 18-year-old Michael Brown who was killed by Ferguson, Missouri police in 2014 as well as Eric Garner who was killed the same year at the hands of a NYPD police officer.
Floyd died on May 25 after fired Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes. He was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. The other three officers involved remain free. Attorney General Keith Ellison has taken over the case.
Hip Hop hasn’t been silent during this crucial time in history. JAY-Z called Minnesota Governor Walz to help get Floyd’s case into the hands of Attorney General Keith Ellison, Russ raised over $150,000 for Black Lives Matter, The Weeknd donated $500,000 to various BLM causes, Drake donated $100,000 to a bail relief fund and Killer Mike provided a powerful speech addressing Atlanta amid city wide protests.
