Inmate Dies After Being Found Unresponsive at Charleston Detention Center

The incident is under investigation by state and local authorities.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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An inmate at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston, South Carolina died three days after becoming unresponsive inside the facility earlier this month. Deputies and medical personnel responded and were able to restore the inmate's pulse, but the inmate later died at the hospital.

Why it matters

Inmate deaths in detention centers are a serious issue that raise concerns about the treatment and care of incarcerated individuals. This incident will likely prompt an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the inmate's death and any potential issues with the facility's operations or policies.

The details

On February 10th, deputies responded to the detention center's Processing Unit after the inmate became unresponsive. A nurse immediately began CPR, and Charleston County EMS and the North Charleston Fire Department also responded to assist. Medical personnel were able to restore the inmate's pulse, and the inmate was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina, where they were admitted. The inmate died three days later.

  • On February 10th, the inmate became unresponsive inside the detention center.
  • The inmate died three days later, on February 13th.

The players

Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center

A detention center operated by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina.

Charleston County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

The state law enforcement agency that will conduct a review of the incident.

Medical University of South Carolina

The hospital where the inmate was taken and later died.

Sheriff Carl Ritchie

The sheriff of Charleston County who has requested an investigation into the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Sheriff Carl Ritchie said he will request that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division conduct a review of the incident.”

— Sheriff Carl Ritchie, Sheriff of Charleston County (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will conduct a review of the incident, and the Charleston County Sheriff's Office's Office of Professional Standards will also conduct an internal review.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for continued oversight and accountability in detention centers to ensure the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals. The investigations into this case will likely focus on any potential issues with the facility's operations, policies, or staff training that may have contributed to the inmate's death.