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'Something tragic happened' - coroner says he died from drugs, family still has questions

The pathologist noted there were "minor blunt force injuries" on Bagley when he died – specifically scrapes, bruises and bleeding at the top, back part of the skull.

The New Orleans Advocate's Ramon Vargas contributed to this report.

NEW ORLEANS - A Northshore family now has some answers in the death of their loved one, Jules Bagley.

The 34-year-old tugboat captain left a Mid-City bar in the early morning hours of Dec. 8.

He was later found dead a couple blocks away inside his pickup with facial injuries.

The autopsy report, just released by the Orleans Parish Coroner's office, stated that Bagley died from the side effects of multiple drugs he ingested.

Family members still want to know whether Bagley's two companions that night are liable for supplying him the drugs or apparently waiting hours to call first responders for help.

Metairie attorney Adam Stumpf represents the Bagley family.

"We have the utmost confidence in the NOPD," Stumpf said. "We don't want to impede their investigation. But, there are still inconsistencies out there that are being investigated by the NOPD."

Video obtained by WWL-TV showed Bagley's gray truck driving down South Clark Street around 7:30 in the morning.

Two witnesses told police they drove Bagley to the location around 3 a.m. to "sleep it off."

The family has questions about the four-hour gap in time and other findings in the autopsy report. 

The pathologist noted there were "minor blunt force injuries" on Bagley when he died – specifically scrapes, bruises and bleeding at the top, back part of the skull.

Police originally said the coroner's office told them Bagley's blunt force injuries were consistent with a fall, and that witnesses told investigators that Bagley fell while leaving the bar.

Stumpf confirmed that Bagley also appeared to be missing belongings when first responders found him.

"There is suspicion involved still," Stumpf said. "There are other people involved still. We just know that something tragic happened that night and we're letting the NOPD try to figure that out."

The NOPD would only say that Bagley's death remains under investigation.

The family is still offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Bagley's death. In the event you possess this information or know anyone that may possess such information, please contact Adam Stumpf at (504) 833-5600 or the NOPD.

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