An inmate at the Lake County Jail passed away after being found unresponsive in his cell on Tuesday evening. The man, a 53-year-old resident of Zion, had been incarcerated on Monday due to a drug-related charge. The Daily Herald reports that he suffered from multiple health issues.
He was discovered by a correctional officer at approximately 9:34 p.m. New Year’s Eve. Officials mentioned that he earlier seemed alert around 8:30 p.m. during a routine medication distribution, an event known to the jail staff as a prescription drug pass. Despite suffering from various health conditions, prison officers were supposed to conduct check-ins regularly every half-hour.
Fox32 Chicago provided additional details stating that after the inmate was found, medical staff at the facility tried urgently to implement life-saving measures, which ultimately were unsuccessful. Paramedics also endeavored to resuscitate him to no avail. The man was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the inmate's death seemed to lack any suspicious marks or signs of injury. An autopsy has been scheduled by the Lake County Coroner’s Office to further investigate the cause of death. Additionally, the Lake County Major Crime Task Force will independently look into the incident to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the inmate's demise.
