WATCH | Remembering Morgan: Annual event continues to draw attention to inmate medical care

Family and friends release biodegradable balloons in front of Bi-State Justice Building on Thursday, Morgan Angerbauer's birthday. Angerbauer, a diabetic, died in a nursing observation cell at the Bi-State after being denied medical treatment in 2016. The family plans to release balloons each year to honor her memory. (Staff photo by Sara Vaughn)
Family and friends release biodegradable balloons in front of Bi-State Justice Building on Thursday, Morgan Angerbauer's birthday. Angerbauer, a diabetic, died in a nursing observation cell at the Bi-State after being denied medical treatment in 2016. The family plans to release balloons each year to honor her memory. (Staff photo by Sara Vaughn)

TEXARKANA - Green seemed like the most appropriate color for balloons released in front of the Bi-State Justice Center Thursday, in memory of Morgan Angerbauer, and not just because green was her favorite color.

To about 20 of Angerbauer's friends and family members, green also symbolized the fact that she was also young and lost her life too soon.

For the fourth year, both family and friends of Angerbauer have gathered in front of Bi-State jail. They do so to deliver a heartfelt balloon release tribute to her and continue to bring attention to giving better care to medically-dependent incarcerated inmates.

During the early morning hours of July 1, 2016, Angerbauer, who at the time was a 20-year-old diabetic, died apparently after being denied insulin.

"For now on I plan to take these steps (at the front of the Bi-State) every year to celebrate my daughter's birthday," Jennifer Houser said of her now deceased daughter who would have been 25 years old Thursday. "Even though I have now settled the business involving the death of Morgan, the gift of remembrance is all her loved ones can give. For now on, I plan to do this every year."

Houser added that if anything good could come from her daughter's passing, it is the fact that new procedures have now been implemented at Bi-State to help potentially save the lives of medically-dependent inmates.

"Morgan's passing has brought on a positive ripple effect for others and now things can improve for others," Houser said.

Hunter Angerbauer one of her sisters, paid tribute to her older sibling.

"Sometimes I've heard it said that people have to sometimes die in order to effect change, she said. "I still miss Morgan every day but I know that she is now no longer in pain."

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