Hays County, TX — An inmate at the Hays County Jail died in custody early Sunday morning after being found unresponsive during a routine check, according to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said the inmate was found unresponsive at approximately 3:26 a.m. CPR was administered and EMS was called, but the inmate could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead by a Justice of the Peace.
According to HCSO, the inmate had been housed alone in a cell. Authorities said no foul play is suspected and a preliminary investigation indicated the death may have been from natural causes.
The sheriff’s office said a previous check was conducted at approximately 3:12 a.m., when the inmate appeared normal.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is conducting a criminal investigation, which HCSO said is standard protocol for custodial deaths. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Office of Professional Responsibility is also conducting an internal investigation to determine whether policies and procedures were followed.
The inmate’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.