Inmate Death at Etowah County Detention Center Under Investigation

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Local Community News | March 12, 2026

GADSDEN, Ala. — Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate following a reported medical emergency on Wednesday afternoon at the Etowah County Detention Center.

According to Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton, correctional staff were notified of a medical emergency involving an inmate at approximately 12:37 p.m. when the inmate’s cellmate alerted a unit officer inside the facility.

Detention center personnel immediately initiated emergency response procedures. Correctional officers began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while awaiting the arrival of medical personnel and emergency medical services.

EMS responders continued life-saving efforts before transporting the inmate to a local hospital. Despite those efforts, the inmate later succumbed to the medical emergency, officials said.

Sheriff Horton stated that preliminary information does not indicate foul play, and authorities currently believe the incident to be medical in nature. However, officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.

The inmate’s body will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death.

In addition, officials with the Jacksonville State Center for Applied Forensics, along with a team of independent investigators, have been requested to conduct a review of the incident to ensure transparency in the investigation.

Sheriff Horton noted that detention center staff responded quickly and followed established emergency procedures in an effort to save the inmate’s life. He also expressed condolences to the inmate’s family and loved ones during what he described as a difficult time.

“An independent investigation has been requested to ensure a complete and transparent review of the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Horton said.

Authorities say additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.

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