The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is assessing the death of an inmate at the Lowndes County jail.
According to local officials, an inmate awaiting trial, identified as 44-year-old Sammy Harris, collapsed while climbing a set of stairs on his way to his cell on Sunday evening.
Detention center staff immediately initiated life-saving measures until first responders from the Columbus Fire Department and emergency medical technicians arrived. Harris was then transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden Triangle, where he was pronounced deceased.
Investigators believe the victim suffered a “catastrophic medical event,” though his body showed no signs of physical trauma. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Harris was arrested over Independence Day weekend on multiple charges and had been locked up for 37 days.
