An unidentified jail inmate who was on hospice care at a local hospital has died, according to the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.
The inmate, whose name and gender were not identified, passed away around 2:45 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 9). Since the person’s death occurred while they were in custody, it will be investigated by the Fairfax County Police Department.
“The inmate was transported and admitted to the hospital earlier this year to receive specialized medical treatment beyond the level of care available at the [Adult Detention Center],” according to the release. “While admitted to the hospital, the inmate was transitioned to hospice care.”
Details remain scant, but officers from FCPD responded to the hospital upon notification of the inmate’s death. Sheriff’s office policy calls for investigation by the FCPD.
Virginia law also states that any inmate deaths must be reported to the statewide Board of Local & Regional Jails to see if the number of deaths can be prevented.
Based on a review of releases from the sheriff’s office, the person’s death appears to be the first in-custody death this year and the twelfth since 2021.
