TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – A former Sonora Behavioral Health employee turned himself in to authorities after an eight-month investigation into a patient’s death at the facility.
Bryce Nolan Coleman, 28, was arrested on June 15 by Pima County Sheriff’s Department detectives on a manslaughter charge.
He turned himself in at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex based on an active arrest warrant.
Bryce Nolan Coleman, 28, a former Sonora Behavioral Health employee, turned himself in to authorities after an eight-month investigation into a patient’s death at the facility.
The investigation began in October 2025 when detectives from PCSD’s Homicide Unit started looking into the suspicious death of a patient.
The incident occurred at the Sonora Behavioral Health facility on Oct. 20, 2025.
Detectives identified the patient as Bluesky D. Thomas, 44.
Through their investigation, they determined Thomas’ death involved Coleman, who was an employee at the facility at the time.
The sheriff’s department has not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Thomas’ death or Coleman’s alleged involvement.
Sonora Behavioral Health released a statement following Coleman’s arrest, saying:
“Sonora Behavioral Health maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that compromises patient wellbeing or the integrity of care. The employee arrested was terminated following an internal investigation. Sonora Behavioral Health has cooperated and will continue to fully cooperate with authorities.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the patient’s family.
“Sonora Behavioral Health remains firmly committed to providing high-quality care for individuals facing complex behavioral health and substance use challenges.”