Tennessee father organizes prison reform town hall after son's overdose death in state facility

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Tennessee father who lost his son to an overdose in a state prison is channeling his grief into advocacy, organizing a town hall to address what he calls systemic problems within the state's correctional facilities.

Tim Leeper's son, Kylan, died of an overdose inside Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in 2023. Data shows Tennessee's state correctional facilities have a death rate higher than the national average, with private prisons showing even higher numbers.

"People don't realize that it affects their neighbors," Leeper said.

Now, through his nonprofit Kylan's Light , Leeper has organized a town hall bringing together current and former elected officials for a panel discussion about prison conditions.

"This is my way to channel my grief and help ma