Cherokee County inmate dies after being transported to hospital

A pretrial inmate at the Cherokee County Detention Center died Thursday morning after being transported to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials said Charles Jefferies was taken to the hospital at approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, after reporting abdominal discomfort overnight. Jail staff notified the on-duty nurse, who monitored Jefferies through the night and evaluated him again early Thursday morning.

Out of an abundance of caution, officials said Jefferies was transported to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Murphy for further evaluation. Upon arrival, his condition reportedly declined rapidly, and emergency medical care was rendered but proved unsuccessful.

Jefferies was pronounced dead at approximately 9:34 a.m., according to the sheriff’s office.

In accordance with standard protocol, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Health Service Regulation were notified, along with the medical examiner. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and jail administration are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Next of kin has been notified, officials said.

“The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Charles Jefferies,” the release stated.

The press release was issued by Capt. Octavio Aguero on behalf of Sheriff Dustin D. Smith.

No further details were immediately available.