An inmate died while in custody at the Patrick County Jail early Monday morning, according to Sheriff Dan Smith.
Deputies found Gene Anthony Glenn, 47, unresponsive in his cell just after 7 a.m. Monday.
Deputies attempted to revive Glenn until emergency medical assistance arrived, but efforts were unsuccessful. Glenn was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smith said Glenn had been placed in the medical unit cell on Thursday due to reports of flu-like symptoms. Inmates in the medical cells are closely monitored by the jail nurse and they are under constant video surveillance, Smith said.
Smith was seen alive in his cell at approximately 6:30 a.m., Smith said.
“The video clearly depicts what appears to be death by natural causes, but the exact cause will have to be determined by the state medical examiner’s office in Roanoke,” Smith said. “Once Mr. Glenn was pronounced dead, I immediately contacted the state police as a matter of transparency and asked for their assistance in investigating this incident.”
The sheriff said that while it is not uncommon for inmates to die while incarcerated, this was the first inmate death in Patrick County in more than eight years.
“This is an unfortunate and sad situation,” Smith said. “We take great pride in treating our inmates like human beings should be treated. Our prayers are with Mr. Glenn’s family.”
