Brittani Ugrotzi, a 33-year-old inmate at the Harford County Detention Center, has tragically become the second COVID-19-related fatality within the confines of the facility since the pandemic's onset. As per WMAR-2 News, the Office of the State Medical Examiner determined Ugrotzi's death, which occurred in May, was due to "natural causes with contributing factors of COVID-19 pneumonia with dehydration complicated by opioid withdrawal."
On the evening of May 7, officers found Ugrotzi unresponsive in her cell. In an attempt to swiftly provide care, deputies and medical staff from the HCDC initiated lifesaving efforts until paramedics took over upon their arrival. Unfortunately, Ugrotzi was pronounced dead at the scene. The Harford County Sheriff's Office, aiming to rule out any inconsistencies, conducted a thorough investigation that found no indication or evidence of either foul play or suicide, according to a report from WBAL-TV.
Ugrotzi was only four days into her incarceration on theft charges at the HCDC at the time of her death. Reports indicate that she was being monitored by the medical services provider for medically managed withdrawal, including the opioid epidemic and the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus.
