An inmate at the Lake Region Correctional Facility, part of the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center (LRLEC), was found dead on Wednesday, May 6.
LRLEC Director Starr Klemetstrud issued a statement on the morning of Thursday, May 7, that an inmate was found unresponsive Wednesday at 6:43 p.m. within the facility. According to a press release from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to the facility for what appeared to be an attempted suicide of a 46-year-old male. Staff immediately initiated emergency response procedures and provided medical assistance, but the individual later succumbed to his injuries.
“Out of respect for the individual and their family, the name of the deceased is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin,” Klemetstrud said in the statement. “We extend our condolences to the family and all those affected by this incident.”
The incident is currently under investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department and the North Dakota Department of Corrections. No additional information or comments were provided.
This is the second death to happen at the correctional facility this year. On Jan. 27, a 67-year-old inmate, confirmed by LRLEC Captain Dan Kraft to be Brian Sailor, died from injuries sustained when he was found hanging in the shower area of the jail. The death was ruled a suicide.
Ramsey County Commissioner Jeff Frith, who sits on the board of the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center, cited concerns over increasing mental health issues as a possible factor in the recent deaths.
The story was updated at 12:40 p.m. to include details provided by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department.
Leave a Reply