Tragedy struck at the Harford County Detention Center with the death of an inmate following a series of heart-related emergencies, as reported by FOX Baltimore. George Kenney, a 69-year-old inmate who had been serving an 18-month sentence for driving while impaired, died yesterday after experiencing three cardiac emergencies over the course of just two weeks.
The first incident occurred on December 16 when inmates noticed Kenney in distress and immediately sought the assistance of correctional deputies and medical staff, their combined efforts briefly revived him. He was transported to a local hospital, where his pulse was re-established. He was later released from the hospital on December 20, only to suffer another cardiac emergency five and a half hours after his return to the detention facility. During his subsequent hospital stay, Kenny suffered a third cardiac episode, according to a WMAR-2 News report.
The Harford County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating the circumstances of Kenney's death. The Criminal Investigations Division, supported by the Forensic Services Unit, has preliminarily determined that his death resulted from natural causes. In a statement obtained by FOX Baltimore, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler highlighted the commitment of the correctional deputies and medical staff, acknowledging their prompt response and efforts to provide care, saying, "Individuals in our custody are often among the most medically compromised members of our community, and we take seriously our responsibility to safeguard their well-being."
Officials have conveyed that Kenney's death was the only in-custody fatality at the Harford County Detention Center throughout the year 2025, with Sheriff Gahler expressing pride in his team's unwavering dedication to the safety and care of all individuals in their custody, despite the outcome being one that could not be survived, the commitment to the well-being of inmates remains a paramount concern for the detention center staff.
