A Gilmer County teen’s death while in custody is under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The 16-year-old female was taken to the Regional Youth Detention Center in Dalton during the evening of Aug. 26, by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, according to a statement by Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Tyrone Oliver.
“While at the facility, she became unresponsive,” said Whitfield County Coroner Greg Bates.
He said the teen was transported by ambulance to Hamilton Medical Center where she later died.
“The youth began experiencing an adverse reaction from what RYDC staff learned was an illegal substance she ingested before her admittance into our facility,” said Oliver’s statement.
Bates said he is awaiting a GBI autopsy and does not have a cause of death at this time.
Because of the teen’s age, no name is being released.
“We are all saddened by the passing of this youth here at DJJ. We send our deepest condolences to the youth’s family and our Dalton Detention Center staff,” Oliver’s statement said.
Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office is not commenting on the incident at this time since it is under investigation, said Captain Frank Copeland.