The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has launched an investigation into the death of a Johnson County inmate on March 11.

The inmate was found unresponsive in their jail cell at 4:05 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Police staff discovered the inmate during a routine head count.

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The jail staff immediately called an ambulance and attempted lifesaving measures, but were unsuccessful, with the inmate later being pronounced dead, according to the news release.

The Iowa State Jail Inspector Delbert Longley has been notified, in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code. The code states the state jail inspection unit of the Department of Corrections must be notified within 24 hours of any incident of death, attempted suicide, fire, use of force, or injury.

The inmate’s identity has not been disclosed, and is pending notification from the family. The cause of death has also not yet been reported, and the University of Iowa Health Care is conducting an autopsy to further investigate the cause of death. 

The Daily Iowan was unable to obtain comment from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at the time of publication.