Misty Upham’s father claims his daughter did not commit suicide.
The 32-year-old August: Osage County actress was reported missing earlier this month and her body was found in Seattle’s White River on October 16. Charles Upham believes the star slipped and fell into the water after running from police because they allegedly mistreated her in the past.
“She did not commit suicide,” he wrote in a statement on Facebook on Friday. “We believe she ran into the wooded area behind her apartment to hide from the police.”
Charles suggested that the Django Unchained star accidentally plunged into the river off the edge of a steep embankment.
Describing the death of his daughter as “tragic”, he lamented that she should have received more help from her mental health care providers. He also alleged that the local police did not do enough to prevent the incident by inviting other authorities to help with the search.
“We believe that Commander Stocker (the officer in charge) had animosity against Misty due to a previous encounter,” Charles alleged.
He suggested that because of this, her case was not handled as effectively as it should have been. According to Charles, Misty was afraid of local Auburn police because they “taunted” her in the past. During one incident, they allegedly left her with injuries she could not explain after picking her up from her home.
“After Misty arrived at the ER we went to see her and she has a swollen jaw, black eye and scratches and bruises on her shoulder (sic),” her father wrote of this earlier occasion.
Misty’s August: Osage County co-star Juliette Lewis has also taken to social media to talk about the late star.
"Misty Upham survived many things that many don't early on in life," the veteran actress wrote. "She fought for the voiceless feircely. She understood suffering and the deepest pain. She had a presence everyone saw and felt. It is this presence that will continue. Out of the dark space in which her light got dimmed. I will remember her as tuff. Wise. Funny. Spiritual. And hopeful. This is another great reminder to call and check on someone when you think to. Not when its too late. RIPMistyUpham (sic)."
