HARFORD COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — A 69-year-old inmate at the Harford County Detention Center has died after experiencing three cardiac medical emergencies in less than two weeks, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday evening.
George Kenney, of Bel Air, was booked into the detention center on Nov. 1, serving an 18-month sentence related to driving while impaired charges from Aug. 11.
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On Dec. 16, Kenney suffered a cardiac-related medical emergency while housed with other inmates. Officials said fellow inmates immediately alerted correctional deputies, who responded with medical staff. Together, they started life-saving efforts, including CPR. Deputies were able to reestablish Kenney’s pulse.
While transporting Kenney to a nearby hospital, emergency providers with the Harford County Department of Emergency Services continued life-saving efforts.
Following treatment, Kenney was released from the hospital and taken back to the detention center on Dec. 20. Five and a half hours later, he suffered a second cardiac emergency. Correctional deputies and medical staff again responded and provided life-saving care before transporting him to a local hospital where he was “alert and conscious.”
While in the hospital for the second time, Kenney experienced a third cardiac medical emergency. He then died on Dec. 27, according to officials.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is investigating Kenney’s death. The preliminary investigation found that Kenney died of natural causes.
In a press release, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said, “Individuals in our custody are often among the most medically compromised members of our community, and we take seriously our responsibility to safeguard their well-being. In this case, our Correctional Deputies and contracted medical staff acted quickly and professionally during multiple medical emergencies at the Detention Center, doing everything they could to save Mr. Kenney’s life.”
Ultimately, Mr. Kenney’s medical condition was not survivable; I am proud of their efforts and their commitment to the safety and care of every person entrusted to our custody.”
When Kenney was hospitalized, he remained in the custody of the Harford County Detention Center. His death has been the only in-custody death at that detention center this year, according to officials.
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