CASTLE DALE, Emery County — An inmate was pronounced dead inside the Emery County Jail, officials announced Wednesday.
The 54-year-old woman was found dead in a shower area, the Emery County Sheriff's Office stated in a press release.
According to spokesperson Janalee Luke, the woman appeared to have died by suicide, but an internal and external investigation into the death is underway to determine the cause. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will ultimately make that determination.
"This is a difficult situation, one that we have not had to deal with in the past," Luke said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased, and we are mindful of our staff and other inmates and the emotions they are going through with this situation as well."
The investigation is being handled by an outside agency, Luke said.
Suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis hotlines
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
- SafeUT Crisis Line: 833-372-3388
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifeLine at 988
- Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
Online resources
- NAMI Utah: namiut.org
- SafeUT: safeut.org
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Utah chapter: afsp.org/chapter/utah
