Jail deaths increased across North Carolina in 2025, records show
Breaking from a brief decline, jail deaths again rose statewide in 2025.
Eighty-one North Carolina inmates died last year — 64 inside a jail and 17 while out of custody, according to public records kept by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Inmate deaths rose consistently for seven years in North Carolina and hit a peak of 90 in 2022. In 2023, the number dropped significantly, even as supervision failures within jails persisted, down to 63. In 2024, it dropped again, but only slightly: 62.
The 2025 data show other trends. Twelve of the deaths were by suicide. Forty were listed as “natural.” One was attributed to injuries. Five were listed as either overdoses or a “possible” overdose. Others were from causes unknown, not listed or still under investigation.
The state’s largest county, Wake, had the most deaths: six. Forsyth County followed with five, then Lincoln County, Gaston County and Mecklenburg County each with four.
As of late February, 13 inmates were reported to have died in the state this year. One in Gaston County died by suicide.
News & Observer investigative reporter Dan Kane contributed.
Ryan Oehrli covers criminal justice in the Charlotte region for The Charlotte Observer. His work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The Observer maintains full editorial control of its journalism.