The Waterbury Times|Breaking News|Published May 8, 2026
Updated Sept 30, 2026 11:37am
UPDATE: State Investigation Finds Nicole Hulett’s Death Was Not Caused by Police Force, Criticizes Medical Monitoring
Waterbury- The Office of the Inspector General has released its findings into the death of Nicole Hulett, the 34-year-old woman who became unresponsive while in Waterbury Police custody in March and later died.
According to the report released September 29, 2026, investigators determined that Hulett’s death was an accident caused by complications from acute and chronic substance use, along with underlying health conditions.
Associate Medical Examiner Jacqueline Nunez, M.D., who performed Hulett’s autopsy, ruled the cause of death as “complications of acute and chronic substance use (benzodiazepine, cocaine, and opioids).” The manner of death was classified as “accident (substance use).”
The investigation found that Hulett was arrested on March 22, 2026, on charges of possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. During transport to police headquarters, Hulett told officers she had used heroin earlier that day and said she felt sick and was detoxing.
After being unable to post a $2,500 bond, Hulett was placed in the women’s cellblock.
Investigators found that Hulett was vomiting, distressed, and restless for several hours before she stopped moving inside her cell at approximately 2:53 a.m.
Emergency responders found Hulett without a pulse and not breathing. After prolonged resuscitation efforts, she was revived at Saint Mary’s Hospital but remained severely neurologically impaired. She died on April 23 after being placed in hospice care.
The OIG determined that no Waterbury police officer used physical force against Hulett beyond what was necessary to take her into custody and detain her.
However, the report raised concerns about the department’s response to Hulett’s deteriorating condition.
Investigators stated that police personnel knew Hulett had reported recent heroin use, was experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and was showing signs of medical distress while inside the cellblock.
The report concluded that “more informed and careful monitoring” could have resulted in Hulett receiving medical evaluation or being transported to a hospital earlier.
Dr. Nunez told investigators that Hulett’s cardiac arrest did not have one single identifiable cause. She cited several possible contributing factors, including chronic substance use, heart muscle enlargement, withdrawal, delayed overdose effects, and the possibility of substances not identified during hospital testing.
The OIG concluded that the death did not result from criminal action and announced that no further action would be taken.
The findings provide the first official state review into the circumstances surrounding Hulett’s death while in Waterbury Police custody.
The Waterbury Times will continue to follow this developing story.
Original Article 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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