SARASOTA, Fla. – The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is investigating the death of an inmate, Stephen Edward Hudek (62, North Port), who passed away early Monday morning at Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH).
Mr. Hudek had been receiving medical treatment at SMH after being transferred from the Sarasota County jail. Due to privacy regulations (HIPAA), details about his condition cannot be disclosed.
The Sheriff’s Office follows a protocol where deputies remain with inmates requiring hospitalization, regardless of the treatment duration.
Mr. Hudek died at 2:47 am Monday after a sheriff’s deputy and hospital staff attempted to save his life. Authorities observed no signs of trauma or suspicious circumstances. However, since Mr. Hudek was in a deputy’s custody at the time of death, the Sheriff’s Office has opened an investigation.
This case is ongoing, pending the Medical Examiner’s report.
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