The grieving family of a young man who died while in prison say they have been completely 'left in the dark' by the authorities tasked with investigating his death, more than seven months after the tragedy.
A Sudden Death Behind Bars
Ace Wilson, a 25-year-old from Harrogate, was a serving prisoner at HMP Leeds in Armley when he passed away 'suddenly and unexpectedly' on June 14, 2025. An inquest into his death was opened at Wakefield Coroners' Court in July. The hearing was told that Mr Wilson had been found unresponsive in his cell, with a paramedic from Yorkshire Ambulance Service certifying his death at 2pm that day.
The court also heard that further medical examinations, including toxicology and cardiac pathology tests, would be necessary to determine the cause. However, Mr Wilson's anguished relatives state they have received few meaningful updates since that initial hearing and 'remain without answers' regarding the exact cause or the circumstances that led to his death.
A Prolonged Agony for the Bereaved Family
The family's distress has been compounded by a deeply painful delay. After laying the Leeds-born man to rest in August, they have yet to have his heart and brain returned by the medical examiner, despite being informed the process should take no longer than ten weeks.
His uncle, John Vowles, told the Daily Mail: 'There's been little communication from the police or the ombudsman about what is going on. We've been very co-operative with the process, but now it feels like we are hitting a brick wall. We've had no answers.'
Mr Wilson's mother, Adelle Deighton, said the family are 'simply seeking truth'. In a powerful statement, she said: 'More than seven months later, our family still does not have a confirmed cause of death. Despite repeated assurances that investigations and specialist medical examinations were underway, we have received little meaningful information and no clear explanation for the delays.'
Calls for Transparency in State Custody Deaths
Ms Deighton emphasised that while the family respects the need for thorough investigations, the prolonged lack of communication has significantly added to their grief. 'We believe it is in the public interest for transparency to exist when someone dies in state custody,' she stated. 'Families should not be left for months without clear communication, particularly in circumstances where the state had a duty of care.'
Multiple investigations into the death are ongoing, conducted by both West Yorkshire Police and the Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO). A Prison Service spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment further while these probes continue. West Yorkshire Police stated their investigation remains ongoing and that family liaison officers are maintaining regular contact with Mr Wilson's family.
It is understood that following contact from the Daily Mail, the family are due to receive an update in the coming days. The inquest into Ace Wilson's death has been adjourned to a later, unspecified date.
