An inmate passed away at the Lenoir County Jail this morning.

Michael Waters, 56, was pronounced dead around 10 a.m. today after detention officers were alerted to an inmate who was having a medical emergency. Detention officers responded immediately to his cell and began rendering aid to Waters and EMS was called; the facility nurse was also called to the cell.

While receiving medical assistance, Waters became unresponsive and went into cardiac arrest. The staff started CPR and was assisted by EMS staff. The medical care was unsuccessful and Waters was pronounced deceased.

The State Bureau of Investigation was notified per normal protocol; it is investigating the incident. Notification of next-of-kin started around 10:30 a.m. and was made at 5:12 p.m.

Waters was in the Lenoir County Detention Center for domestic assault and was under a $1,500 secured bond. Preliminary information received by the LCSO indicates Waters’ death was of natural causes.