In a sobering incident at the El Paso County Jail, an inmate, Paula Orth, aged 47, was discovered unresponsive in her cell by Sheriff's Office deputies, who, along with medical staff, immediately initiated life-saving measures.
The incident occurred on Thursday, at about 6:47 pm, and despite rigorous attempts to revive Ms. Orth, she was pronounced deceased nearly an hour later, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office reported, offering condolences to Orth's family and friends at this trying time medical personnel from American Medical Response and the Colorado Springs Fire Department, who arrived at 6:57 pm, also took part in the emergency response but to no avail.
Sheriff Bill Elder has pledged a thorough inquiry into the untimely passing, with investigations being handled by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division to ensure that all citizens of El Paso County receive the level of scrutiny warranted in such grave circumstances, with an initial probe showing no signs of self-harm, assault, or foul play as stated by El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
An autopsy to discern the exact cause and manner of Ms. Orth's death is forthcoming, as requested by Sheriff Elder and will be conducted by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, while the community waits, grappling with the reality of a life lost within the confines of the very institution meant to ensure the safety and well-being of those in its charge.
