Woman, 65, Dies In Custody At Santa Cruz County Jail

A 65-year-old woman died while in custody in county jail in Santa Cruz early this morning, sheriff’s officials said.

The woman, whose name has not been released, was found unresponsive in a cell at the county jail at 259 Water St. during a safety check around 4:55 a.m., according to Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Kelly Kent.

A correctional officer and medical staff performed CPR on the woman until an ambulance arrived.

She was pronounced dead at 5:24 a.m., sheriff’s officials said. Coroner’s investigators responded and determined that the woman died “due to probable natural causes,” according to a sheriff’s office statement.

Sheriff’s officials said no criminal activity or suspicious circumstances are suspected in connection with the death.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of the woman’s death.

The inmate was booked into the jail on Monday for a warrant arrest.

--Bay City News