Family of man who died in Snohomish County Jail add deputy, nurse to lawsuit

SEATTLE (AP) — The family of a young man with a severe dairy allergy who died after he was fed dairy products at the Snohomish County Jail has added two people and a food provider to their federal lawsuit.

And on Friday, the Snohomish County prosecuting attorney filed his answer to complaint denying that anyone at the jail did anything to cause the death of Michael Saffioti.

The lawsuit claims that Saffioti was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge in July 2012. It says he told jail officials that he had health issues, including asthma and a dairy allergy. The suit says the next morning when Saffioti received his breakfast tray without a special dietary note, he complained to the deputy but was told to eat his oatmeal or go without food.

After taking a few bites, he became ill and died soon after. The lawsuit claims jail staff ignored his pleas for help.