A 24-year-old inmate at the Summit County Jail died Monday after experiencing respiratory distress, according to Sheriff Kandy Fatheree’s office.
Leah Kay Allison, who had been booked into the jail just three days earlier on March 28, began experiencing breathing problems around 4:30 p.m. on March 31. Jail medical staff responded to the emergency and contacted the Akron Fire Department for assistance.
Officials report that Allison was transported to SUMMA Health Emergency Department, where she initially arrived conscious and responsive. Later that same day, however, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Allison’s death. No details about the cause of death or why Allison was initially incarcerated have been released.
This incident comes amid increasing scrutiny of healthcare standards in county detention facilities nationwide. The Summit County Jail, which has seen an increase in its inmate population in recent months, contracts with outside providers for various services including meal preparation.
Sheriff Fatheree, who oversees operations at the Summit County Jail, confirmed the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released information about Allison’s medical history or what might have contributed to her respiratory distress.
The Sheriff’s Office indicated that additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
