Box Elder County Jail
BRIGHAM CITY — An inmate at the Box Elder County Jail was found dead Monday morning from a suspected suicide. Jed S. Collatz, a 49-year-old Bear River City man, was discovered in cardiac distress at approximately 11:15 a.m.
According to a press release, Box Elder County Chief Deputy Cade Palmer said Collatz was found during a safety and security check by jail deputies. He was alone in a locked cell.
Jail deputies and medical staff reportedly began providing emergency medical care immediately. Brigham City Emergency Medical Services also responded to assist, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Palmer said a preliminary investigation indicated Collatz’s death was caused by suicide; however, the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office activated the Northern Utah Critical Investigative Team to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Collatz was arrested Saturday by the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office and booked into jail. He was later charged with aggravated assault and criminal mischief, and was being held on a judge’s order, awaiting bail or a court hearing.
Palmer said the sheriff’s office wished to express their sincere condolences to Collatz’s family during the difficult time.
Monday’s death is the second to occur at the jail during the past year. In June 2021, a 50-year-old inmate died after reportedly experiencing drug withdrawals. He had been transported to the Brigham City Community Hospital. In December 2020, a 41-year-old inmate died after suffering a medical episode.
will@cvradio.com