Wood County Jail Inmate Dies

Press Release From Wood County Sheriff Jim Brown

While conducting routine 30 minute security checks of the separation cells in the Wood County Jail THursday, detention officers discovered an inmate who was unresponsive.  The inmate is identified as Robert Sharp, W/M, 69 years of age, of Holly Lake Ranch.  The jail medical staff and detention officers immediately began efforts to revive inmate Sharp and EMS was summoned.  EMS arrived at the jail and transported the inmate, accompanied by a detention officer, to ETMC in Quitman.  Inmate Sharpe was later flown to ETMC in Tyler by helicopter.

At 10:15 PM doctors at ETMC pronounced inmate Sharp dead.  As is required in custodial deaths, the Justice of the Peace in Tyler ordered an autopsy.  Sheriff Jim Brown stated that his office is conducting an internal investigation. The Texas Rangers have been notified and will be conducting an investigation as well.  The cause of death is pending the autopsy results.  Sheriff Brown stated that his staff did everything possible for Mr. Sharp and did it in a very professional manner.  The Sheriff extends condolences to the Sharp family on behalf of the entire jail staff.