jason hoganson has died at the age of 55 after a life that drew headlines for his early release from HMP Durham and the attack on his ex-partner that followed a day later. The former actor, who once had a leading role in Empire State, was released on September 10, 2024 and was arrested again in Newcastle’s West End after returning to Rachel Usher’s home. His death was made public in April, with funeral arrangements now set out by R W Barrett & Son Funeral Services.
What happened after Jason Hoganson left prison
Jason Hoganson had served half of an 18-month sentence for assaulting Ms Usher and breaching a restraining order when he left HMP Durham. He had been freed as part of the government’s effort to ease prison overcrowding, although he was later understood to have been released in error. A day later, he was back in trouble after going to her flat and assaulting her again.
He had already been caught on doorbell footage attacking her before that prison sentence, and the footage shown to court evidence captured him landing slaps and shoving her to the ground. The case later became more complex when Ms Usher died before the planned trial date in October 2024. Jason Hoganson’s later appeal was heard at Newcastle Crown Court in August 2025, where Recorder Mark Guiliani allowed it after prosecutors had not carried out required assessments.
Jason Hoganson and the wider case around his release
The release itself was part of a wider prison scheme aimed at cutting overcrowding. Jason Hoganson was among inmates freed early in that period, and his case stood out because of the renewed assault allegations that emerged almost immediately after he left custody. He had also sent Ms Usher two letters from prison despite a restraining order that barred any contact.
His past was marked by extensive offending, with the court hearing that his record included more than 100 convictions and a long history of drug addiction. He had previously spoken about trouble with the law and said it had started after he spent time with the wrong crowd.
Reaction and the final notices
R W Barrett & Son Funeral Services confirmed that Jason Hoganson died unexpectedly on April 4. In a public message, the funeral service described him as the father of Jade, Kitt, Michael, Charlotte and Clarice, and the son of Maureen and the late Ronnie, adding that he would be dearly missed by his family.
He was known for his role in Empire State, where he played Pete, a Geordie character that briefly placed him in the spotlight before his life moved far away from acting. His funeral is scheduled for April 28 at the West Road Crematorium in Newcastle.
What happens next
The most immediate next step is the funeral, but Jason Hoganson’s death also closes a case that had already raised difficult questions about prison release decisions, repeat offending, and the impact of a rapidly moving sequence of events after his return to freedom. For those following the story, Jason Hoganson will remain linked to the early release episode, the assault case, and the final court proceedings that came after it.
