KEARNEY, Neb. — Authorities are investigating the death of a 38-year-old inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Buffalo County Jail on Tuesday afternoon.
According to a statement from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Jhett Henderson of Kearney, Nebraska, was discovered at approximately 4:13 p.m. Jail staff called for medical assistance and initiated life-saving measures before paramedics transported Henderson to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Henderson had been in custody on six charges of terroristic threats, officials said. His next of kin have been notified.
The South Central Area Law Enforcement Services (SCALES), a coalition of 17 law enforcement agencies in the region, has been called in to conduct an independent investigation. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the probe with assistance from investigators with the Grand Island and Kearney police departments.
In accordance with Nebraska state law, a grand jury will be convened to review the circumstances surrounding the death since it occurred while Henderson was in custody. An autopsy has been requested by the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.