Clayton Thompson, 45, and a father of five, has been identified as the inmate at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center who died Friday, April 11. Thompson was serving a five-year sentence for theft and two counts of aggravated assault.
According to a release from Core Civic, TTCC staff responded to an unresponsive inmate inside his housing area around 9:47 p.m. and immediately began lifesaving measures. Emergency Medical Services were requested and transported Thompson to a nearby hospital. Hospital staff pronounced Thompson as deceased.
In accordance with policy, Core Civic said they notified the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) immediately and that the cause of death remains under investigation.
In a Facebook post by Thompson鈥檚 sister, Crystal Thompson, she wrote, 鈥渕y worst fear has become a reality. My brother, Clayton鈥檚 life was taken before he had the chance to return home鈥 He was recently placed in protective custody due to ongoing threats, including being extorted and forced into physical altercations.鈥
She went on to say that her brother was just recently granted a parole hearing for April 23.
鈥淗e was looking forward to coming home, being with his children, and rebuilding his life,鈥 said Crystal. 鈥淥ur family is devastated and demanding answers. We expect transparency, accountability, and a full investigation into what happened. No family should have to endure this kind of loss without answers.鈥
A request for confirmation from TDOC concerning Thompson鈥檚 protective custody status was not confirmed as of press time; however, Sarah Gallagher, Middle Tennessee Public Information Officer with the TDOC did confirm Thompson was scheduled for a parole hearing on April 23, 2026, and that his death remains under investigation.
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