Male inmate at Whatcom County jail dies at facility; cause of death still undetermined
An inmate at the Whatcom County jail in Bellingham died while in custody early Thursday morning, according to a news release from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies discovered the inmate — identified as Austin Lawrence, 28, according to Whatcom County Medical Examiner Dr. Aldo Fusaro — in medical distress around 2:40 a.m. during a security check and provided medical aid. Deputies also called for emergency services, according to the release. Responders from the Bellingham Fire Department soon arrived and took over medical assistance, but Lawrence died at the jail.
“The loss of a detainee is a devastating reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with caring for those in our custody,” said Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley. “It weighs heavily on my heart and on the hearts of our personnel, who are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all those in our care.”
The investigation into the death is being led by the Bellingham Police Department at the request of the Sheriff’s Office. The cause of death is still under investigation, and according to Dr. Fusaro, cannot be confirmed until the toxicology report comes back from the state, a process that can take weeks.
This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 3:15 PM.
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