Authorities: Inmate dies in Columbia County Jail after suspected medical issue

LAKE CITY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the death of an inmate at the Columbia County Jail, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

A release from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said the inmate died as a result of a medical issue. On Monday, the Sheriff’s Office identified the inmate as Joshua Bell-Farmer.

The Sheriff’s Office was not able to provide the exact cause of death, and the investigation is still active. It said foul play was not suspected.

In a statement, Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “We are deeply saddened by this as we always try to provide the best care we can for our inmates. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the inmate’s family.”

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation, which is standard procedure in inmate deaths.