Terminally ill inmate passes away in EPSO custody

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) found an unresponsive 54-year-old man on his cell on Thursday night, Oct. 7.

According to EPSO, the man was being treated for a terminal illness and was found unresponsive on Oct. 7 at around 9:22 p.m. in his medical unit cell. Deputies and medical staff rendered lifesaving efforts and called for medical care.

At around 9:35 p.m., the Colorado Springs Fire Department arrived and assumed medical care, continuing life-saving efforts. American Medical Response (AMR) arrived shortly after according to EPSO and also assisted—however, life-saving efforts ended at approximately 9:41 p.m.

The individual had recently been treated at a hospital for several days. EPSO provided round-the-clock security during that time.

The individual was remanded to the custody of EPSO earlier this year while awaiting sentencing for failure to comply with probation. He was being held without bond by the court.

“Attempts were made by Sheriff Roybal to expedite court proceedings to better accommodate end-of-life care for the individual,” wrote the statement EPSO shared. “However, he passed away before those efforts could come to fruition.”

Although the Sheriff’s Office believes the death’s cause is natural causes, Sheriff Roybal has ordered an in-depth investigation of the incident and an autopsy has been requested.

“Our Office extends our condolences to the individual’s family and friends during this difficult time,” said EPSO.

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