PORT HADLOCK — An inmate of the Jefferson County jail died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he was transferred after attempting to commit suicide in his cell.
According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, Thomas G. Lorecki, 48, died of asphyxia due to ligature hanging and his death was ruled a suicide.
Leading investigation
Arthur Frank, the chief criminal deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff David Stanko are leading an ongoing investigation into Lorecki’s death, Frank said Wednesday.
Found early Friday
Lorecki was found just before 4:45 a.m. last Friday by a Jefferson County corrections deputy who was performing a cell check after another inmate observed Lorecki trying to harm himself, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release issued Monday.
The deputy intervened and summoned medical aid, according to the release.
Lorecki was flown to Harborview Medical Center. He died the next day, Saturday, and the Sheriff’s Office was notified of his death at roughly 3:45 p.m., according to the release.
Frank said Lorecki was alone in his cell at the time.
Lorecki had been arrested Aug. 23 for driving under the influence, burglary in the second degree and reckless endangerment, Frank said.
Frank declined to comment on whether Lorecki had shown any signs of being a danger to himself.
