Family of Christopher Tapp speaks out

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - The family of Christopher Tapp spoke to Local News 8 Tuesday following Tapp's unexpected death Sunday.

Tapp is known across the nation after being wrongfully convicted. 

The 47-year-old was released from prison in 2017 after 21 years in prison. 

The Idaho Falls man died in Las Vegas surrounded by family and his best friend.

Local News 8 talked with his cousin Athena Jenkins. 

She says Christopher was in his hotel room when he slipped on a shoe and hit his head on a table.

Unfortunately, he was not able to recover from the accident. 

She says while the nation remembers him fighting for his innocence, those who know him will remember him for his kindness. 

"He was always so positive and so friendly," she said. "I've had so many people come out and tell me how they have changed their life, and how caring and loving he was. And that's all he wanted, he just wanted to be there for other people."

Jenkins says Tapp loved idaho and always said Idaho Falls is home. 

The family says they are planning a funeral for Tapp and will give us more information as soon as it's available.