The family of Robert Bracey, a 56-year-old Stamford man with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), has filed a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit against Connecticut’s Department of Correction (DOC), Commissioner Angel Quiros, and unnamed correctional staff. Bracey died just 19 hours after being placed at Bridgeport Correctional Center in June 2022.
Bracey, remembered as a dedicated father, brother, and community volunteer, lived with ALS since 2015. He regularly supported formerly incarcerated individuals and was recognized for his volunteerism, even by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. Despite battling opioid addiction—partly tied to managing pain from ALS—he often said, “I have ALS, but ALS don’t have me.”
Timeline Leading to Death
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Bracey was arrested on June 24, 2022, in Stamford for allegedly selling his prescribed opioids. After a brief hospital stay for withdrawal symptoms, he was transferred to Bridgeport Correctional. According to a report by Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT), Bracey was severely underweight, in withdrawal, and experiencing difficulty swallowing and speaking—classic ALS symptoms that were overlooked.
Within 24 hours, he was found unresponsive in his cell. However, video footage later revealed that staff:
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Waited 19 minutes to attempt CPR
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Did not administer naloxone
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Falsified 15 infirmary log entries to appear compliant with 15-minute checks
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Failed to perform critical emergency protocols
The Medical Examiner ruled his cause of death as acute and chronic opioid use, including fentanyl. DRCT’s report said his death was preventable and accused the DOC of violating both state laws and federal disability rights standards.
Lawsuit Details
Filed just days before the three-year statute of limitations, the lawsuit mirrors findings from the DRCT report and cites gross negligence, deliberate indifference, and failure to train and supervise staff. The family, filing pro se (without an attorney), said the $100M figure is based on similar precedent in Oklahoma.
They argue Quiros should be personally named because of his responsibility to enforce accountability.
DOC’s Response (or Lack Thereof)
Despite multiple red flags in Bracey’s case:
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The DOC issued only a two-page corrective action summary months later—and only in response to DRCT’s request.
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There’s no evidence of meaningful policy or training changes since Bracey’s death.
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Nurses involved were referred to the State Board of Examiners for Nursing, but as of now, no disciplinary action has been taken.
DRCT attorney Rachel Mirsky stated:
“They have done nothing to ensure this won’t happen to another person with disabilities like John Doe.”
What’s Next
The state Attorney General’s Office, which will defend the DOC in court, declined to comment due to the pending litigation. Meanwhile, the Bracey family is seeking legal representation and demanding justice.
“No child, sibling, or parent should have to fight this hard for answers or accountability,” said Beinson Bracey, Robert’s brother.
This case has renewed scrutiny of how Connecticut’s prison system handles vulnerable detainees—especially those with severe medical conditions—and whether systemic failures are being meaningfully addressed.
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