SBI to investigate death of jail inmate on Saturday, NC sheriff says
A 61-year-old inmate died while receiving medical care in the Union County jail on Saturday, Sheriff Eddie Cathey said.
Gregory Faircloth became unresponsive as jail medical staff examined and treated him just before 4 a.m., Cathey said.
“Life-saving measures were immediately administered, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased,” the sheriff said on social media.
Faircloth was in custody since Aug. 12 and “was assigned to the medical unit due to multiple pre-existing medical conditions,” Cathey said.
Per standard procedure, the sheriff said, he asked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to conduct an independent investigation.
No foul play is suspected, the sheriff said.
Cathey said he and his office “extend their condolences to Mr. Faircloth’s family and recognize the professional response of the detention and medical personnel involved.”
This is a developing story.
This story was originally published August 23, 2025 at 3:56 PM.