Inmate Death Under Investigation at Etowah County Detention Center
Gadsden — Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate following a medical emergency at the Etowah County Detention Center on Wednesday.
According to Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton, correctional staff were notified of a medical emergency involving an inmate at approximately 12:37 p.m. The inmate’s cellmate alerted a unit officer, prompting staff to immediately initiate emergency response protocols.
Correctional officers began performing CPR until medical personnel and responding EMS arrived and continued life-saving efforts. The inmate was then transported to a local hospital, where those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Sheriff Horton said that, at this time, there are no indications of foul play and the incident is believed to be medical in nature.
The inmate’s body will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Officials with the Jacksonville State Center for Applied Forensics, along with a team of independent investigators, are conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Sheriff Horton stated that detention center staff responded quickly and immediately began life-saving efforts. He also expressed condolences to the inmate’s family and friends during this difficult time and noted that an independent investigation was requested to ensure a complete and transparent review.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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