Acadia Healthcare: Criminal Charges Brought in Death of Bluesky Thomas; Former Sonora Behavioral Employee Surrenders

June 17, 2026

A former employee of Sonora Behavioral Health in Tucson has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the 2025 death of patient Bluesky D. Thomas, whose autopsy documented extensive injuries including spinal fractures, a liver laceration, missing teeth and neck hemorrhaging. According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, 28-year-old Bryce Nolan Coleman surrendered to authorities on June 15.

Thomas, 44, died on Oct. 21, 2025, after several violent restraints at Sonora Behavioral. The Pima County medical examiner determined that he died from blunt force injuries and ruled the manner of death as homicide. The autopsy also noted tongue injuries, scalp abrasions and the loss of at least two teeth. Toxicology findings showed the presence of several prescription psychiatric drugs, including lorazepam (Ativan), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), the antipsychotics olanzapine (Risperdal) and haloperidol and other psychiatric drugs.

According to information released by investigators and court records described in television reports, Thomas had become agitated and attempted to leave the facility after receiving sedating medications. Surveillance video reportedly showed Coleman repeatedly forcing Thomas back into his room and becoming increasingly aggressive. Emergency equipment was later brought in after Thomas became unresponsive, and he died at a hospital the following day. One television report stated that the injuries included a broken neck in addition to liver damage and missing teeth.

Sonora Behavioral Health said Coleman was terminated following an internal investigation and that the facility has cooperated with law enforcement authorities.

Thomas’ family is being represented in a wrongful death lawsuit against Sonora by attorney Jennifer Cascio of the law firm Gould, Grieco and Hensley.

The case has renewed attention on Sonora Behavioral Health, which has faced previous scrutiny over patient deaths, lawsuits and regulatory concerns. A local television investigation reported that state inspectors conducted two dozen inspections at the facility over approximately the last three years, resulting in a $10,000 fine earlier this year related to incidents involving multiple patients.

(“Sonora Behavioral patient suffered spine fractures, liver laceration, lost teeth before death, KOLD News 13, June 16, 2026.)