Jacksonville Inmate Dies After Weeks in Hospital Custody

No foul play suspected as Cold Case Unit investigates death of 51-year-old Antonio Rafeal Hernandez

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Antonio Rafeal Hernandez, a 51-year-old inmate in the custody of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, died on February 12th after being transferred to a local hospital on January 26th and placed on life support. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit is investigating the death, but has stated that no foul play is suspected at this time.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment and care of inmates in the Jacksonville jail system, as it marks the third in-custody death the Sheriff's Office has investigated this winter. The review of Hernandez's death will likely focus on the medical care he received and the circumstances leading to his transfer to the hospital.

The details

Hernandez had been held since a May 2025 arrest on a probation violation related to fentanyl possession. He was transferred from the county jail to a medical facility on January 26th and remained there for over two weeks before being placed on life support. Hospital staff determined Hernandez needed life-support measures, and the Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit was called in just before 8 p.m. on the day of his death.

  • Hernandez was arrested in late May 2025 on a probation violation.
  • He was transferred from the county jail to a medical facility on January 26, 2026.
  • Hernandez died on February 12, 2026 after being placed on life support.

The players

Antonio Rafeal Hernandez

A 51-year-old inmate in the custody of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office who died on February 12, 2026 after being transferred to a local hospital.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating Hernandez's death, which has stated that no foul play is suspected at this time.

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What they’re saying

“No foul play is suspected at this time.”

— Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (Action News Jax)

What’s next

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit will continue reviewing the case while awaiting findings from the Medical Examiner and toxicology testing.

The takeaway

This incident raises ongoing concerns about the treatment and care of inmates in the Jacksonville jail system, as it marks the third in-custody death the Sheriff's Office has investigated this winter. The review of Hernandez's death will likely focus on the medical care he received and the circumstances leading to his transfer to the hospital.