Mysterious jailhouse death in Texas has people asking #WhatHappenedToSandy

A routine traffic stop that led to the mysterious jailhouse death of a Texas businesswoman and civil rights advocate has left her family and friends with serious questions this week.

Sandra Bland was pulled over last Friday for improperly signaling, and then was arrested for allegedly becoming combative with the officer. Three days later she was found dead in her jail cell.

The Waller County Sheriff's Office says she died "from what appears to be self-inflicted asphyxiation," listed as death by hanging. However, close friends and family have told local media, including WLS, they doubt the sheriff office's story.

"I do suspect foul play," said friend Cheryl Nanton. "I believe that we are all 100 percent in belief that she did not do harm to herself."

Bland had just moved to Texas from Illinois to work at her alma mater Prairie Riew A&M University. She was set to start July 15.

"I will admit it is strange someone who had everything going for her would have taken her own life," Waller County District Attorney Elton Mathis told KPRC. "That's why it's very important a thorough investigation is done and that we get a good picture of what Ms. Bland was going through the last four or five days of her life."

The story has caught fire on social media in recent days, inspiring hashtags #JusticeForSandy and #WhatHappenedToSandy.