Sheriff’s Office Investigates In-Custody Death

WICHITA, Kan. — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating the death of a 45-year-old Wichita man at the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.

At approximately 12:54 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, detention staff found the inmate unconscious and not breathing in his cell. Additional detention staff and on-site medical personnel began life-saving efforts while the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS responded. Despite continued life-saving efforts, the inmate was pronounced dead.

Preliminary information indicates the death appears to be related to a medical condition. The official cause and manner of death will be determined following an autopsy.

The inmate had been in custody since Oct. 19, on felony drug charges and a probation arrest-and-detain order.

Detectives and agents are conducting a full investigation. The inmate’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

This is the fifth in-custody death involving the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility in 2026.

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