Death at Weber County jail called ‘suspicious’

A man died at the Weber County jail on Saturday, and an investigation is underway to determine why.

“The death is being investigated as suspicious,” read a news release issued by the jail.

The inmate’s name has not been disclosed. The news release said he was being housed for the U.S. Marshals Service, and his next of kin is being notified.

The death comes as the Weber County jail has been grappling with coronavirus outbreaks. At least 114 inmates have tested positive.

This inmate was not in the COVID-19 unit nor does his death appear to be related to the virus, the news release said. His cellmate alerted the jail staff that he was vomiting. The man was unconscious when deputies arrived.

The news release said both jail staff and emergency medical personnel tried to provide aid. The jail didn’t specify whether the inmate was pronounced dead there or elsewhere.

The state medical examiner responded to the scene, the news release said. The Weber County attorney’s office and a county-wide critical incident unit are also investigating.