Inmate dies at Mason County Jail.

October 13, 2022

Inmate dies at Mason County Jail.

LUDINGTON — A 59-year-old male inmate at the Mason County Jail was found unresponsive in his cell during a cell check/meal service Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. and was later pronounced dead, according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole.

Corrections deputies with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office immediately started life saving measures on Crandal Lee Smith, said Sheriff Cole. Life EMS and the Ludington Fire Department responded to the jail.

“Despite lifesaving efforts, the subject was pronounced dead,” said Sheriff Cole.

“Mr. Smith had been housed in the Mason County Jail March 4, 2022 on three drug-related charges — two related to drug use/meth, and one for delivery of meth. Mr. Smith had not pled guilty; nor was convicted on any charges; nor had he been sentenced on any of these charges.

“Mr. Smith’s remains were transported to WMED (Western Michigan University School of Medicine) in Kalamazoo where an autopsy was performed (Wednesday) Oct. 12, 2022. Although a final autopsy report is pending a preliminary investigation by WMED and MCSO, detectives have found no foul play or intentional/self-inflicted actions.”

The autopsy report, with completed toxicology, will be sent to the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association’s MISSION (internal affairs) team for review and final disposition, said Cole.

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