Tuscaloosa County Jail Inmate Dies in Hospital Saturday, Investigation Underway
An inmate inside the Tuscaloosa County Jail died at an area hospital Saturday, police have told local media.
Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, said an inmate was complaining Saturday of medical issues including shortness of breath.
They left the jail conscious and alert, but hours after his hospitalization, his health began rapidly declining.
Kennedy said despite emergency treatment, the inmate died a short time later.
Because the death occurred while the man was in the custody of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, an investigation will be launched into his death, although that does not necessarily indicate suspicion of foul play.
The investigation will be conducted by VCU investigators who are not affiliated with the sheriff's office.
Kennedy did not release the dead inmate's name Saturday, but said his family has been notified of his death.