GBI investigating inmate death at county jail in Athens

Released this afternoon by the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office:

On the morning of April 22, 2025, at approximately 7:55 AM, while conducting routine checks in preparation for breakfast service, staff at the Athens-Clarke County Jail became aware of a medical emergency inside one of the housing units.

Upon entering the cell, staff found an unresponsive 39-year-old African American male. Immediate life-saving measures were initiated by jail personnel, and medical staff were notified without delay. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived promptly and continued resuscitation efforts while transporting the individual to a nearby hospital.

Despite the efforts of both jail and emergency medical personnel, the individual was pronounced deceased shortly before 10:00 AM.

Per protocol, the incident is currently under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The name of the decedent is being withheld until next of kin have been notified.

No further information is available at this time