HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Today two separate jails with the same unfortunate story to tell.
Madison County and Lawrence County both had inmates die unexpectedly while in custody from unknown medical issues.
In Lawrence County, Hollis South died early this morning. According to the sheriff's office, other inmates told jail staff that South was having a medical emergency, then proceeded to perform CPR on him while an ambulance was called. South was transported to Lawrence Medical Center where he later succumbed to the unexpected medical issue. Alabama Department of Forensic Science will be responsible for his autopsy.
In Madison County, Coryell Derrick was found dead in his cell around 10:30 last night.
According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, Derrick was found in his single cell in the jail's infirmary and suffered a "sudden medical emergency." The University of Alabama in Birmingham will be performing an autopsy to find out what exactly caused his death.
Derrick was booked back in July for probation violation and traffic offense charges.
Officers believe there were no signs of foul play or anything suspicious surrounding Derrick's sudden death.
“An in-custody death is always difficult for everyone involved: facility staff members, medical staff, and emergency first responders," says Sheriff Kevin Turner. "We are extremely saddened to report the death of Mr. Derrick and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Both investigations are still ongoing.
According to the Alabama Department of Corrections through June 2023 there have now been at least 164 in-custody inmate deaths in Alabama. Including known deaths in July and August, this number now stands at 166.