A man was found dead in his jail cell in Jefferson County earlier this morning.
At 3:14am, a member of the jail staff found detainee, 27-year-old Jacob A. Hunsell of Waltonville unconscious and unresponsive in his cell block, with a sheet around his neck. The employee, along with other correctional officers, quickly responded to provide aid and EMS personnel were dispatched to the jail.
EMS arrived on scene and took over attempts to resuscitate Hunsell. They transported him to Crossroads Hospital Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Jefferson County Coroner Roger Hayse responded and notified Hunsell’s family.
Illinois State Police have been contacted and have responded to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hunsell’s death. The Sheriff’s Office will also be conducting a parallel administrative investigation into these circumstances.
Further information will be made available upon the completion of both investigations.