Inmate died of natural causes, authorities say

A 60-year-old inmate at J. Reuben Long Detention Center who was found unresponsive in a cell Thursday died of natural causes, authorities said.

Jerome Floyd died at 5:01 p.m. Thursday at Conway Medical Center, Darris Fowler, Horry County’s deputy coroner, said Friday.

No further details about his death were provided.

An officer found Floyd, an inmate, unresponsive in a cell about 3:51 p.m. on Thursday, according to a news release from Tom Fox, director of detention at the jail.

Medical staff at the jail was alerted, and they performed CPR on Floyd and called EMS, the release said.

Floyd had been arrested by Myrtle Beach police Tuesday in connection with public disorderly/ public intoxication in the area of North Kings Highway; however, a police report containing the details of his arrest was not available Friday morning, according to records.

Floyd was later booked at J. Reuben Long Detention Center about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to the release.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was contacted about Floyd’s death, and it is investigating, which is protocol when an inmate dies, according to the release.

Kathryn Richardson, a SLED spokeswoman, confirmed the investigation into Floyd’s death is ongoing. No other details were available on Friday.

Officials said a preliminary investigation has shown no signs of foul play.

Floyd had been arrested previously in connection with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to J. Reuben Long Detention Center records.

This story was originally published August 21, 2015 at 6:15 AM with the headline "Inmate died of natural causes, authorities say."