INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Deputies suspect an inmate found unresponsive earlier this week who later died might have overdosed on heroin.
“We believe at some point Sunday evening, heroin was introduced into the county jail,” Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar said during a Wednesday news conference. “We believe that on Monday morning, (inmate Lori Collins) ingested powdered heroin. That’s what our preliminary investigation is revealing.”
Collins, 43, of the 1800 block of 20th Avenue, Vero Beach, was being held at the Indian River County Jail for violation of probation charges. The woman had been incarcerated for 30 days before her sudden death, deputies said.
Sheriff’s corrections deputies noticed Collins was unresponsive in her bunk about 11 a.m. Monday. Deputies tried to revive Collins using Narcan, but were unsuccessful.
First responders took Collins to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, deputies said.
Deputies reviewed jail surveillance footage, which showed Collins walking around the open cell about 9 a.m. The video showed Collins go to her bunk and move around underneath the covers about 10 a.m.
Deputies were waiting on Collins’ toxicology report. Detectives were interviewing inmates, correctional deputies and continuing to review surveillance footage.
“These deadly drugs continue to plague our society. Even jails and correctional facilities are not immune to them despite our best efforts to prevent contraband,” Loar said in a statement. “Our detectives will review the evidence and our staff will review our policies and procedures to determine if any violations occurred. We will ensure that those responsible will be held accountable.”
The jail death remains under investigation.
