PORT ANGELES – The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office reports that on December 23 just after midnight, a 39-year-old male jail inmate was discovered during cell checks hanging by his neck from a ligature device.

Correction Deputies attempted life-saving measures, and the Port Angeles Fire Department responded to assist with the effort. The man was transported by medics to the Olympic Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Port Angeles Police Department conduct the investigation, which is ongoing.

The man, who was awaiting trial on felony assault charges, was the only occupant of his cell when he was discovered by corrections staff.