SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Overdoses at the Spokane County Jail claimed the lives of two male inmates while a female inmate survived, according to a report from Martha Lou Wheatley-Billeter, the Spokane County Communications Manager.
The first incident involved a male inmate who was booked on December 14. He overdosed, and despite Narcan being administered and full life-saving measures taken, he was pronounced dead at 11:50 a.m.
In the second incident, another male inmate, booked on December 7, overdosed and was pronounced dead shortly after 2 p.m. following a full medical response.
The third incident involved a female inmate booked on December 10. She received medical attention and Narcan, and was reported to be breathing normally shortly after 3 p.m.
The specific type of drugs involved in these overdoses is still unknown. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incidents, and the medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.
All overdoses occurred on different floors of the jail, and the inmates were not booked together.
In 2025, Narcan has been used 38 times at the facility, and there have been 35 trips to the hospital for symptoms of overdose, not confirmed overdoses.
Further updates are expected from the medical examiner’s office and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office once their investigations are complete.
