Update: Inmate who died at county jail identified
Update posted Nov. 29, 7:30 a.m.
–The Coroner’s Unit of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is identifying the inmate who died in County Jail on Nov. 27 as 62-year-old Russell Alan Hammer of Hanford, CA.
Hammer was arrested by the Morro Bay Police Department and booked into County Jail on 11-6-17. He was accused of stabbing his wife with a butcher knife and charged with assault with great bodily injury and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse. An autopsy was conducted this morning. Preliminary findings show he died from a massive pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis in the left calf. This was found to be a chronic condition and was asymptomatic. Other contributing factors include peripheral vascular disease and cellulitis in the left calf. However, the official cause of death is pending the outcome of the investigation and toxicology reports. At this time, there are no indications that drugs or alcohol were a factor in this death.
Original story posted Nov. 28
–On Monday, a Correctional Deputy at the San Luis Obispo County Jail conducting cell inspections spoke to a 62-year-old male inmate who stated he was not feeling well. The Deputy immediately called for medical staff. The medical staff, who were located right around the corner, according to the sheriff’s office, arrived and spoke with the inmate who was alert and conscious. They placed the inmate in a wheelchair, began to take him to the medical unit and called for an ambulance. The inmate was conversing with medical staff as he was being wheeled to the medical unit when he suddenly lost consciousness.
Medical staff and Correctional staff immediately began life saving measures including CPR and the use of an automatic electronic defibrillator (AED). Cal-Fire and Paramedics took over the life saving measures, but unfortunately, they were unable to revive him.
The Sheriff’s Office has initiated an investigation. Identification of the inmate is pending notification of next of kin. No foul play is suspected. No further information is available at this time.
