The city of Kent, Washington, is facing a federal civil lawsuit following the death of a 45-year-old inmate at the city jail in April 2025. The lawsuit alleges jail officials and a contracted medical provider failed to respond appropriately to the woman’s worsening medical condition during opioid withdrawal.
The case was filed May 8 in U.S. District Court on behalf of the estate of Rena Flaherty through her mother, Teresa Flaherty. The family is represented by Connelly Law Offices of Tacoma.
According to the complaint, Flaherty died after allegedly not receiving timely medical care while in custody at the Kent Corrections Facility.
Death
Rena Flaherty died on April 22, 2025, while being held at the Kent city jail located at 1230 Central Ave. S…