Two Austin Inmates Die In Police Custody On Same Day

AUSTIN, TX — Two inmates died while in police custody in what officials say were "natural causes" on Saturday, the Travis County Sheriff's Office reported on Monday.

At 5 p.m. Saturday, inmate Eric Taylor, 24, of Austin, was found on the floor of his cell. Police say he was unresponsive, and corrections officers initiated CPR before the arrival of EMS officials. Efforts to resuscitate him proved futile, and he was pronounced dead about an hour later, sheriff's officials said.

"At this point, the investigation indicates Taylor likely died of natural causes, but the final ruling is pending toxicology reports," sheriff's officials said.

An investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, Internal Affairs Unit, the Texas Rangers and the Medical Examiner’s Office is ongoing, as is customary with any death in custody, police added.

The same day, during meal service, Donald Cook, 50, of Austin, was said to be unresponsive in his cell at around 5:40 a.m., according to sheriff's office officials. Life-saving measures also proved unsuccessful, and Cook was pronounced deceased at 6:30 a.m., police said.

"The investigation to this point indicates Coor likely died of natural causes," sheriff's officials said in a prepared statement. "The final determination is pending toxicology reports and other test results."

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