facebook-pixel

Man dies during booking into jail in Iron County

Justin Anderson, 49, from Cedar City died in police custody on Saturday after experiencing what the Iron County Sheriff’s office called a “medical episode.”

At about 6 p.m. on July 4, Anderson was arrested on drug-related charges. After being transported to the Iron County jail and while being processed for booking, Anderson’s medical problems began, police say. That’s when Iron County jail and Gold Cross ambulance staff tried to give life-saving aid, but to no avail. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

As a result of the death, the Iron County Critical Incident Taskforce, Iron County sheriff detectives and the Utah medical examiner’s office were called to complete an investigation. As part of that investigation, Anderson’s body will undergo an autopsy to determine the nature of the medical episode.

The Iron County Sheriff’s office says they plan to release more information about Anderson’s death as the investigation reveals it.

Support free news for Utah

sltrib.com is now free to access — no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trustworthy, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can afford — especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise.

Free to read doesn’t mean free to produce. Our reporters show up every day to ask hard questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on support from people who believe it matters. Make a donation today to fund local news that serves Utah communities.

You can help us bring more local news to more communities today.