VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. — Authorities are investigating the death of a 41-year-old Bloomingdale man who died after becoming unresponsive while in police custody following a traffic stop in Van Buren County on Wednesday morning.
According to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began at approximately 9:54 a.m. when deputies and detectives observed a pickup truck committing multiple traffic violations. Investigators recognized the driver as Nathan Matthews, whom they believed was operating the vehicle despite having a suspended driver’s license.
Deputies initiated a traffic stop and reported that, before approaching the vehicle, they observed Matthews appear to ingest an unknown substance on two separate occasions. When questioned repeatedly by investigators, Matthews denied swallowing any narcotics.
Authorities said Matthews was removed from the vehicle, and a subsequent search revealed evidence consistent with methamphetamine on his shirt as well as on the driver’s seat of the pickup truck.
Out of an abundance of caution, deputies transported Matthews to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. However, shortly after arriving at the hospital, Matthews became unresponsive.
Deputies immediately administered two doses of Narcan while hospital personnel began providing emergency medical treatment. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts by first responders and medical staff, Matthews was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The circumstances surrounding Matthews’ death remain under investigation.
To ensure an impartial review, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the Michigan State Police conduct an independent investigation into the incident. Once that investigation is complete, the findings will be submitted to the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Authorities have not yet released the cause or manner of Matthews’ death, and officials say additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses.
