Family pushes for answers in Jacksonville father's death

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — WATCH LIVE: Action News Jax reporter Alicia Tarancon has a live report on this story on FOX30 at 7 a.m.:

The family of a local father who died after being detained by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office held a vigil Friday to mark three months since his death.

In May, Action News Jax reported when Jalen Mays passed away at Orange Park Medical Center two days after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office brought him in for an evaluation under the Baker Act.

JSO said Mays was originally detained April 30 for causing a disturbance inside a convenience store on Lane Avenue South.

The family and community activists gathered at Friendship Fountain on Jacksonville’s Southbank to remember him and demand answers.

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The family called for JSO to release any surveillance video from inside the store and officer body cameras.

Action News Jax obtained the autopsy report, which revealed marijuana and excited delirium were contributing factors in his death.

The medical examiner’s office said Mays had a sickle cell crisis and suffered a heart attack and stroke.

The manner of death was ruled an accident from drug abuse.

The family wants an independent autopsy to be conducted.

The two officers who detained Mays were placed on administrative leave, which is protocol, during the investigation. JSO said the officers are now back on patrol.

Cox Media Group