A 53-year-old man died Friday while in custody at the Washington County jail.
Officials identified the man as David Staples, and said he died of cardiac arrest despite life-saving efforts at the Purgatory Correctional Facility.
Members of the Washington County “critical incident” task force are investigating the man’s death, but preliminary evidence shows Staples likely died by suicide, according to a news release.
Staples was facing two felony counts of possession by an inmate of prohibited items and a misdemeanor charge of driving on a suspended license, court documents state. He was originally taken into custody on Feb. 28, when an officer found Staples driving with five active warrants.
More information about Staples’ death was not immediately available.
State data shows suicide is the leading cause of inmate deaths — accounting for 51% of all deaths since at least 2013.
Utah lawmakers this month decided to address inmate suicides by passing HB259, a measure that would provide funding to install suicide barriers — sort of like nets — in jails throughout the state that have multi-story housing facilities.
The measure’s sponsors, Rep. Carol Spackman Moss and Sen. Todd Weiler, both acknowledged in hearings throughout this year’s legislative session that suicide barriers won’t eradicate jail deaths, but they hope this program will help.
As of Friday, the bill was awaiting Gov. Spencer Cox’s signature.
Editor’s note • If you or people you know are at risk of self-harm, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free 24-hour support by calling 988.