Essex County jail inmate dies, authorities investigating cause – NorthJersey.com

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Essex County Freeholder Brendan Gill calls for the closing of immigration facilities, including at Essex County jail at a Close the Camps rally in Elizabeth on July 2, 2019. NorthJersey

A 48-year-old Essex County inmate died Wednesday at the Newark jail after spending a few days in the infirmary under observation, authorities said. 

The man, who was not identified, was placed in the Newark jail’s infirmary on Saturday after complaining of symptoms consistent with a urinary infection, officials said in a statement. 

“He was treated on-site by medical staff and remained under observation,” the statement said. 

On Wednesday, around 11:45 a.m, the man’s condition deteriorated and an ambulance was called, the statement said. A medical response team at the jail was activated and provided medical first aid, but the inmate died at 12:46 p.m. authorities said. 

The Essex County Medical Examiner was contacted and will investigate, authorities said. The cause of death is unknown, the statement said. 

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The man had entered the jail on July 17. Officials did not say what charges had been filed against him that led to his arrest and detainment. 

The death comes officials throughout the country deal with the coronavirus pandemic which already has contributed to the death of more than 1,500 people in New Jersey and more than 14,000 nationwide. On Tuesday,  officials said there were more than 47,400 cases of the virus in the state. 

Monsy Alvarado is the immigration reporter for NorthJersey.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news about one of the hottest issues in our state and country,  please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: alvarado@northjersey.com Twitter: @monsyalvarado 

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