A man died Thursday after suffering a medical emergency in the Harris County Jail.
Raymond Cooper, 62 suffered an apparent medical emergency in a medical ward of the jail. CPR and lifesaving measures were administered quickly and Houston Fire Department EMS transported him to a local hospital. Cooper was pronounced deceased at the hospital at approximately 5:32 a.m.
Cooper had no obvious physical injuries. He had been in jail since July 15, 2023.
The death is being investigated by the Texas Rangers in accordance with state law that requires all jail deaths to be investigated by an outside law enforcement agency.
The Sheriff's Office Internal Affairs Division is also investigating to determine whether all applicable policies and procedures were followed, which is standard following the death of a person in jail. The man’s cause of death will be determined by an autopsy conducted by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
In addition, the death has been reported to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.
