UPDATE, 2:49 p.m.: The Sheriff’s Office passes along word that the deceased inmate is Colleen Marie Branch, 36 years old, of Eureka. 

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Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release: 

On Friday, 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 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.