At approximately 6:15 this morning, Union County Sheriff’s Office detention staff
responded to a medical emergency within the Union County Jail. An officer conducting
morning meal service recognized that a 32-year-old male inmate was unresponsive and
immediately began to evaluate and provide medical care to the male. The male was then
transported to a local hospital by Union EMS and was ultimately pronounced dead. As is
standard protocol for a death investigation involving a person in custody, Sheriff Cathey
has requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) handle the
investigation into this matter. At this point, there has been no evidence to suggest foul play
in the death of the inmate. The deceased’s name will not be released at this time pending
family notification. Any questions concerning the status of this case or further details of
this investigation should be forwarded to the NCSBI.

Point of contact for this press release is Lt. James Maye, (704)506-6843