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Mecklenburg County jail inmate found unresponsive in cell dies, sheriff announces

Anthony Walton had been in custody at the Mecklenburg County jail since Oct. 7.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An inmate at the Mecklenburg County jail died Tuesday night, officials announced. 

Detention officers responded to a medical emergency at the jail around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday after 51-year-old Anthony Walton was found unresponsive in his cell. Detention officers immediately began life-saving measures on Walton until firefighters and Medic arrived at the jail. 

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Walton was rushed to Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His cause of death has not been released at this time. Walton had been at the jail since Oct. 7. 

"Announcing the death of a resident in our care is always a challenging duty," Sheriff Garry McFadden said in a press release. "The entire staff at MCSO has been affected by the death of Mr. Anthony Walton, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones."

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is launching its own investigation while the medical examiner determines his cause of death. 

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