The Tribune

An investigation is under way by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office following the death of an inmate Saturday.

“We had an inmate complaining of tightness in his chest,” Sheriff Jeff Lawless said. “We provided him with initial medical care and called the ambulance.”

The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to the St. Mary’s Medical Center, Ironton Campus, where he died.

Lawless said he does not suspect foul play and was not aware if the man, who had been in the jail for some time, had a previous medical condition.

Lawrence County Coroner Dr. Kurt Hofmann will send the body to Franklin County for an autopsy, according to Lawless who has asked the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association to conduct an independent investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss,” Lawless said in a release. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family.”