An inmate at the Davis County jail died by suicide Sunday after he jumped from a balcony in a housing unit, officials announced late Sunday.
Although “life-saving medical intervention was attempted,” the man died of his injuries, according to a news release from the Davis County Sheriff’s Office.
The man’s name has not been released. Officials said he was in his 40s, but did not name the unit where he was housed. More details about how long he had been in custody and why he had been booked were not immediately released.
It’s unclear how many people, including facility staff, were in the housing unit at the time of the fatal fall.
“Our hearts are heavy for the family of the departed and those who witnessed today’s tragic events,” said Chief Deputy Arnold Butcher in the Sunday news release. “The well-being of our employees and those in our care is our top priority.”
The sheriff’s office pointed anyone who may be struggling with hopelessness and depression to crisis resources, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Mental health services will be offered to inmates and staff, Butcher noted, and “internal and external investigations” are underway.
According to state data, more people died in Utah jails in 2020 than in any year since 2016, despite lower facility populations attributed to COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
Of the 19 people who died in county jails that year, suicide was the leading cause of death.
Editor’s note • If you or people you know are at risk of self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24-hour support at 1-800-273-8255.
