Fond du Lac Band Member Dies in Duluth Jail

Minnesota BCA investigating death of 35-year-old inmate Darrin Tiessen

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the death of a 35-year-old Fond du Lac Band member, Darrin Tiessen, who was found unresponsive in his cell at the St. Louis County Jail in Duluth last week. Jail staff performed CPR and other lifesaving measures, but Tiessen did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead on January 30th.

Why it matters

The death of an Indigenous person in police custody raises concerns about potential racial disparities and the treatment of marginalized groups within the criminal justice system. The independent BCA investigation is intended to ensure transparency and avoid any conflicts of interest.

The details

Tiessen was booked into the St. Louis County Jail on January 25th for an active warrant. He was found unresponsive in his cell around 1:05 AM on January 27th during a routine welfare check by a correctional officer. Jail staff immediately performed CPR and used an AED, managing to obtain a heartbeat, before Tiessen was transported to a local hospital. However, he did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead on January 30th.

  • Tiessen was booked into the St. Louis County Jail on January 25, 2026.
  • Tiessen was found unresponsive in his cell around 1:05 AM on January 27, 2026.
  • Tiessen was pronounced dead at the hospital on January 30, 2026.

The players

Darrin Tiessen

A 35-year-old member of the Fond du Lac Band who died in custody at the St. Louis County Jail.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

The state agency conducting an independent investigation into Tiessen's death to ensure transparency.

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that requested the BCA investigation.

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What’s next

The BCA investigation is ongoing to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding Tiessen's death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for continued scrutiny and reform within the criminal justice system to address disparities in the treatment of Indigenous and other marginalized communities.