The Burke County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday. February 13th:
On January 18, 2026, an inmate was found unresponsive in his cell at the Burke County Jail after another inmate alerted detention staff. Detention and medical personnel responded immediately and initiated life-saving measures while requesting assistance from Burke County EMS, who also responded to the scene.
The inmate was transported to an area medical facility for medical treatment. After several weeks of medical care, he passed away on February 11, 2026.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conduct an independent investigation. In accordance with state law, the Sheriff’s Office has also reported the death to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.