A 45-year-old male inmate at the York County Detention Center died Wednesday evening after being found unresponsive in his cell following a reported medical emergency. The York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) has requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to conduct an independent investigation, which is standard procedure for all in-custody deaths.
Detention center staff discovered the inmate shortly after 5:40 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Officers immediately initiated life-saving measures, and emergency medical services (EMS) arrived approximately 10 minutes later to continue resuscitation efforts. Despite continued action by both staff and paramedics, the inmate was pronounced deceased at 6:18 p.m.
The identity of the inmate is currently being withheld by authorities pending the completion of the investigation and the required notification of his next of kin by the York County Coroner’s Office.
According to records from the YCSO, the inmate had been in custody at the detention center since August 12, 2025. He was being held on several charges, including four counts of failure to appear related to possession with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, third-offense narcotics possession, and a probation violation.
Sheriff Tony Breeden requested SLED to take over the investigation of the death. This action is routine and mandated by YCSO policy to ensure transparency and impartiality in the investigation of a death occurring while a person is in custody.
The York County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death following an autopsy. Authorities indicated that details regarding the incident will remain limited until the comprehensive SLED investigation is complete.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
