EATON COUNTY, Mich. (WILX) – Family members said they have unanswered questions about the death of Colin Campbell, also known as the Haslett “Flag Man.”
In a lawsuit filed Thursday, the family claims Eaton County officials wrongfully denied their request for information.
The Campbell family and their attorney believe they are being denied information that is in the public interest.
As they try to piece together what led to Colin’s disappearance and death, they are asking a judge to step in and demand those details from Eaton County.
“We’re looking for closure as a family,” said Michael Campbell, Colin Campbell’s son. “We’re looking for answers. We wish people were open with everything that we asked for.”
Nearly three weeks after his father was found dead, Campbell said he still doesn’t know what happened.
According to the family, Eaton County law enforcement found Colin hours after he wandered away from his senior living facility. But Campbell said that’s all they’ve been told.
“Everybody is just a little on edge. We just want a feel for what’s going on and have some answers,” he told News 10.
Campbell filed a Freedom of Information Act request in January for police reports, 911 calls and body camera footage. But the request was denied.
Eaton County told the Campbells in a written denial it can’t release those details due to an ongoing investigation by law enforcement.
Attorney questions timeline of events
Campbell’s attorney, Mike Nichols, said getting a clear timeline is critical as the family investigates how Colin died.
“We think we know basics about the timeline, and it appears like there’s a problem with what happened,” Nichols told News 10.
Nichols filed a lawsuit on the family’s behalf, claiming information about Colin’s death is in the public interest because he was a public figure.
People in Mid-Michigan knew Colin as the Haslett “Flag Man.” For decades, he took daily walks on Marsh Road, waving an American flag in the air.
Nichols said the community deserves to know what happened and if there was potential wrongdoing.
“I thought long and hard about bringing a FOIA lawsuit this soon, at this stage, but I realized that’s exactly what Colin Campbell fought for, and that’s exactly what he would have wanted,” Nichols said.
County cites ongoing investigation
A spokesperson for Eaton County said the county cannot comment on the lawsuit at this time, given the matter is related to an ongoing sheriff’s office investigation.
The lawsuit also said the court may award the family damages of up to $1,000, plus attorney fees.
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