FROM STAFF REPORTS

Iredell County Detention Center administrators have determined that the detention staff followed all policies related to the medical care of of a female inmate who died earlier this month after being transferred to a hospital.

Corine Simmons, 39, died at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem on November 2,  four days after she was hospitalized due to a medical condition.

Chief Deputy Bert Connolly said he and other administrators have reviewed the actions taken by detention staff during the 40 hours Simmons was in custody and determined all policies and protocols related to her medical care were followed.  

“If we see an inmate that has issues, we have to ensure that person receives medical care,” Connolly said. “In this situation that is what we did.”

Sheriff Darren Campbell said Simmons did not sustain any physical injuries while she was in custody at the jail. The N.C. Medical Examiners Office has not released the cause of Simmons’ death.

According to jail records, Simmons was processed at 6:01 a.m. on October 28 after being arrested by a Statesville police officer on a charge of second-degree trespassing. She was held on a $500 bond.

During intake, all inmates receive a health screening before being assigned to a housing unit. Simmons was evaluated and sent to her unit.

At 10:53 a.m. on October 29, detention staff brought Simmons back to the processing area for further observation after she was seen by contracted medical staff. She was monitored for the remainder of the day. During this time, she ate and drank and was checked on regularly by a nurse, Connolly said.

At 10:15 p.m., medical staff determined that Simmons needed more advanced care, Connolly said. She was transported by Iredell County EMS personnel to Iredell Memorial Hospital. She was later transferred to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

On October 30, at 9:21 a.m., while hospitalized, Simmons was released from custody.

On November 2, at 12:07 p.m. she passed away.

The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, which was informed of the circumstances leading to Simmons’ hospitalization and subsequent death, declined to investigate because Simmons was not in custody at the time of her death.