Woman collapses and dies in her jail cell

Published 1:30 am Thursday, February 1, 2018

EVERETT — A woman died Thursday after collapsing in her cell at the Snohomish County Jail.

The woman, 62, was spotted by a corrections deputy at about 2:30 p.m. apparently in need of medical attention, said Shari Ireton, a spokeswoman with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy summoned medical help and began CPR. The woman died at the scene.

The sheriff’s office described the woman as a transient with a history of medical issues. She was brought to the jail Jan. 19 on a warrant for domestic violence and trespassing.

“The medical staff in booking initially declined to accept the inmate for pre-existing medical conditions and requested a booking medical clearance. She was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center, where she was cleared for booking and transported back to the jail,” Ireton wrote.

The sheriff’s office has used stepped-up medical screening in recent years to lessen the risk of in-custody deaths by people who are too sick to be detained.

In keeping with jail policy, the woman’s death was under investigation by the sheriff’s major crimes unit. An additional administrative review is planned.