News

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has identified the woman who died in custody at around 3 a.m. this morning as Colleen Marie Branch, 36, of Eureka. Branch was in the jail's medical unit to detox off an undisclosed substance, according to Lt. Mike Fridley. She was discovered by a staff member at around 2:45 a.m. and appeared to not be breathing. She was transported to the hospital and declared dead at 3:20 a.m. Booking records indicate that Branch was booked into the jail Wednesday evening for parole violations. The Humboldt County Critical Incident Response Team is currently conducting an investigation.

From the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

On Monday, June 23, 2017 at about 0245 hours, a Correctional Deputy and Medical Staff in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility were conducting routine medical checks of the Humboldt County Correctional Facility’s Medical Unit when they discovered an inmate, who appeared not to be breathing. The inmate was housed alone. Facility medical staff and Correctional Deputies began life saving measures. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were immediately requested. EMS arrived on scene and continued life saving measures. The female was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Upon arrival at the hospital, the inmate was pronounced deceased at 0320 hours. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division responded and took possession of the deceased. The inmates name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Humboldt County Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) responded to the Correctional Facility and is currently conducting an investigation.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707 268-2539.

UPDATE: Deceased inmate identified
The deceased female has been identified as: Colleen Marie Branch, 36 years old, of Eureka