A 74-year-old man in custody at the Charlotte County Jail died Tuesday evening after suffering a medical episode. The inmate, who had a known medical condition, was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving attempts by deputies, medical staff, and emergency responders.
According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the inmate, identified as Jack Plank, 74, had been in custody since his arrest on Dec. 6 in connection with a domestic incident.
CCSO noted that his medical condition was identified during intake, and he had been housed in the infirmary with 30-minute welfare checks.
Plank had also received treatment both within the jail and at a local hospital several times during his incarceration.
Corrections staff discovered Plank on the floor and began life-saving efforts, which were unsuccessful, according to CCSO.
Investigators with the sheriff's Major Case Unit determined there was no indication of foul play. The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy.
“This is an unfortunate situation, and my heart goes out to all who knew Mr. Plank,” Sheriff Bill Prummell said. “Being in jail did not make him any less of a human being, with loved ones, friends, and family that will miss him. I thank my team for their quick actions in trying to save him, even though his condition was ultimately too severe. May he rest in peace.”
The sheriff’s office emphasized that while medical care was provided, Plank’s health condition was severe.