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Inmate dies in jail after apparent suicide attempt

The 34-year-old man was found “in distress” in his cell.

An inmate died in custody Thursday after an apparent suicide attempt, according to a news release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The man, identified as 34-year-old Matt Mortensen, was found “in distress” around 6 p.m. in his cell at Purgatory Correctional Facility in Hurricane, the Friday release said.

Deputies and medical staff working in the jail, as well as EMTs from Hurricane City, performed life-saving efforts on Mortensen, but he was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m.

Per the Sheriff’s Office’s protocol regarding in-custody deaths, the Washington County Critical Incident Task Force will be conducting the investigation into the death with the assistance of the Utah Medical Examiner’s Office.

“Our condolences go out to [Mortensen’s] family and friends during this difficult time,” the release said.

No other details were available on Sunday morning.

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