ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A detainee at the Buncombe County Detention Facility died Saturday night after experiencing a medical emergency, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
The detainee, identified as Grey Hester, was found unresponsive in his cell shortly after 8 p.m. during a routine cell inspection by detention staff, authorities said. Members of the facility’s medical team immediately began lifesaving measures until emergency medical services arrived.
Hester was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Office of the North Carolina State Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. Officials said the death is believed to be because of a medical condition, though the cause has not yet been confirmed.
Hester was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility on Jan. 8 and was scheduled to return to federal custody following a trial on state charges, according to the sheriff’s office.
In accordance with protocol, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been notified and will investigate the death. The District Attorney’s Office and federal officials have also been notified.
“We send our prayers and condolences to Grey Hester’s family and loved ones,” Sheriff Quentin Miller said in a statement. “His family has been notified of his passing, and we have notified all of the appropriate parties.”