Story perspectives

Coroner Rules Daniel Smith's Death Accidental, Clears Professor

6/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Coroner Philip Spinney said neck hold contributed more than minimally to Daniel Smith’s cardiac arrest but ruled death accidental, clearing Professor Charlie Thame.
Detective Constable Sharon Moore reported officers interviewed and released Professor Charlie Thame and took no further action after an inquest found no liability.
Forensic pathologist Dr Amanda Jeffery testified Daniel Smith had used cocaine and ketamine and that the restraint and drugs caused his cardiac arrest.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown by Ferguson officer Darren Wilson sparked nationwide protests, a DOJ civil-rights probe, and a $1.5 million wrongful-death settlement with the city in 2015. That unrest prompted President Barack Obama to allocate $75 million for police body cameras, a reform still echoed in today’s Daniel Smith inquest.

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Story summary

Coroner Philip Spinney said neck hold contributed more than minimally to Daniel Smith’s cardiac arrest but ruled death accidental, clearing Professor Charlie Thame.
Detective Constable Sharon Moore reported officers interviewed and released Professor Charlie Thame and took no further action after an inquest found no liability.
Forensic pathologist Dr Amanda Jeffery testified Daniel Smith had used cocaine and ketamine and that the restraint and drugs caused his cardiac arrest.

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