The Waterbury Times|Breaking News|Published May 8, 2026
WATERBURY — The Connecticut Office of the Inspector General is investigating at WPD, this time the death of Nicole Hulett, a 35-year-old woman who died nearly a month after being found unresponsive while in custody at the Waterbury Police Department.
According to a release issued May 6, 2026, Hulett was arrested by Waterbury Police on March 22 following a motor vehicle stop that resulted in various narcotics-related charges. Officials say Hulett admitted to officers that she had consumed drugs prior to the stop. Unable to post bond, she remained in police custody pending arraignment.
The Inspector General’s preliminary findings state that shortly after arriving at the police department, Hulett began vomiting. Police personnel reportedly offered to transport her to the hospital for treatment, but she declined medical care.
Hours later, on March 23 at approximately 3:00 a.m., Hulett was found unresponsive inside her holding cell. Emergency Medical Services responded and transported her to Saint Mary’s Hospital, where she remained hospitalized for nearly a month before being pronounced dead on April 23.
An autopsy was performed on April 24 by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Officials say the cause of death remains pending further study as the investigation continues.
Echoes of the Alyssa Insogna Case
Hulett’s death marks the second death involving a woman in Waterbury Police custody within the last year, drawing renewed attention to detainee medical care and monitoring procedures.
The Waterbury Times extensively reported on the 2025 death of Alyssa Insogna, another woman who suffered a medical emergency while in police custody after being arrested on narcotics-related charges.
That case sparked widespread community concern and public debate after questions emerged surrounding detainee checks, medical observation procedures, and the handling of individuals believed to be under the influence of narcotics while detained.
As previously reported by The Waterbury Times, the Inspector General’s investigation into the Insogna case examined whether proper monitoring procedures were followed while she was being held inside the department.
The similarities between both incidents are already prompting questions from residents regarding:
- detainee wellness checks,
- medical screening procedures,
- narcotics-related medical emergencies,
- and whether policy changes were implemented following the Insogna investigation.
At this time, the Office of the Inspector General says the Nicole Hulett investigation remains ongoing.
The Waterbury Times will continue following this developing story.
Read More on Alyssa Insogna
Three Months No Answers: The Waterbury Times Update on Alyssa Insogna’s Death
29-Year-Old Woman Dies in Waterbury Police Custody; Investigation Underway
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