Mother Files Lawsuit After Inmate Dies of Fentanyl Overdose in Fannin County Jail

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. — The mother of a 41-year-old man who died from a fentanyl overdose while in custody at the Fannin County Adult Detention Center has filed a civil lawsuit alleging systemic failures in jail security, medical care, and overdose response.

Paula Cherie Hughes filed the complaint in Fannin County Superior Court both individually and as administrator of the estate of her son, Joshua Darrin Hughes, who died on Dec. 12, 2023, after suffering an acute fentanyl overdose inside the jail.

According to the complaint, Hughes was found unresponsive while incarcerated and was transported to Fannin Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that evening.

His death certificate lists the cause of death as acute fentanyl intoxication and the manner of death as accidental.

The lawsuit names Sheriff Dane Kirby in his official capacity, unnamed detention officers in their individual capacities, Southern Health Partners Inc., the jail’s contracted medical provider, and Fannin County.

The complaint alleges that fentanyl was smuggled into the detention center by another inmate and distributed inside the facility, leading to Hughes’ overdose.

It further claims that jail officials failed to conduct proper intake searches, adequately monitor inmates, control contraband, or respond promptly to signs of overdose.

The lawsuit contends that officials were aware of ongoing drug problems inside the jail prior to Hughes’ death, citing prior overdoses and reported Narcan use within the facility.

The complaint alleges that corrective action was not taken, despite this knowledge.

Hughes’ mother says her son struggled with substance use but was actively seeking help and was scheduled to begin a residential drug-treatment program.

At the time of his death, he was unmarried and had no children, making her the sole wrongful-death beneficiary under Georgia law.

In addition to wrongful-death and estate claims, the lawsuit seeks court-ordered reforms at the jail, including changes to intake procedures, contraband control, staffing, training, and overdose-response protocols.

The complaint also alleges that another inmate died from an overdose at the detention center after Hughes’ death, which it cites as evidence that dangerous conditions persisted.

The plaintiff is seeking damages from individual and corporate defendants, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive relief requiring operational changes at the jail.