TROY, NEW YORK, USA – OCTOBER 13, 2023 Woody Smith died after a police encounter during his arrest. Officers responded to a report of a break-in and found Smith climbing out of a window. He followed their orders to get on the ground, but when they tried to handcuff him, a brief struggle ensued. He repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe and soon lost consciousness. Despite immediate medical attention, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
An investigation found that his death was caused by a mix of drug intoxication, preexisting health issues, and physical exertion. The autopsy showed no signs of asphyxiation, and no charges were filed against the officers. Body camera footage was released, giving a clear view of what happened. The case sparked discussions about police procedures and transparency in investigations.
