Smith County Jail inmate dies at hospital after medical emergency

Published 5:40 pm Monday, August 12, 2024

From Staff Reports

A man died at a Tyler hospital after experiencing a medical emergency while incarcerated at the Smith County Jail, officials said.

At approximately 8:13 p.m., Albert Lee Moore, 57, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Smith County Central Jail.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said a code blue medical emergency was promptly activated, and on-site medical personnel responded immediately. Despite their efforts to administer lifesaving procedures, Moore was transported to a local emergency room then admitted to the hospital.

Moore was pronounced dead Monday at approximately 6:57 a.m.

Smith County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Derrick Choice conducted an inquest at the hospital. Choice has ordered an autopsy, and Moore’s body has been transferred to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for examination.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has been notified, and the Texas Rangers are investigating the circumstances of this custodial death in accordance with Smith County Sheriff’s Office protocols.

According to the press release, Moore had been jailed at Smith County since Feb. 13 and had frequent visits to the clinic.

This is a developing story. The Tyler Morning Telegraph will provide further information as it becomes available.