Inmate Dies Suddenly At DeKalb Jail: Sheriff

DECATUR, GA — An internal investigation is being conducted after an inmate suddenly died at the DeKalb County Jail, authorities said Sunday.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office said John Parazzo, 73, was found unresponsive Friday in his housing unit.

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Emergency medical workers immediately performed medical services, but Parazzo was pronounced dead, authorities said.

They added the death of Parazzo was "a sudden and unanticipated medical emergency." Foul play is not suspected, authorities said.

A cause of death had not been determined as of Sunday, they said.

“We are committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of our sheriff’s office operations," DeKalb County Sheriff Melody M. Maddox said in a news release. "Our sincere condolences go out to Mr. Parazzo’s family."

The sheriff's office and the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office are conducting investigations into Parazzo's death, authorities said.