SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Two inmate deaths in San Diego detention facilities this year are being attributed to drug overdoses and called accidental.
The first occurred on July 20 at the San Diego Central Jail, where Michael Hossfeld, 41, was found unresponsive in his cell, according to the San Diego Sheriff's Department. Deputies began life-saving measures and Hossfeld was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remained in a coma and on life support until Aug. 3.
The county medical examiner this week determined Hossfeld had died from anoxic encephalopathy due to acute fentanyl toxicity and ruled his death an accident.
Hossfeld had been in custody for 691 days and was charged with multiple crimes, including robbery.
On Aug. 26, deputies at George Bailey Detention Facility found Jose Sevilla, 39, unresponsive in his cell. Deputies began CPR, but he was pronounced dead shortly after he was found.
The medical examiner report said that Sevilla died from acute heroin intoxication and his death was also deemed an accident.
Sevilla had been in jail since May 30 on drug- and theft-related charges.
SDSO did not provide any further information regarding the deaths.
According to the Associated Press, there have been at least 13 in-custody deaths in San Diego jails this year.
