Autopsy shows Mendocino County jail death linked to natural causes

A woman found dead in a Mendocino County jail cell in April died of natural causes, an autopsy and death investigation have concluded, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

At the time of her death, Gloria Burgess, 59, of Ukiah, had been in custody for six days following her arrest on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance for sale, jail records show.

Jail staff found Burgess unresponsive in her cell during a routine walk-through in the early morning hours of April 10. Corrections and medical staff attempted life-saving measures but the Burgess was pronounced dead a short time later. She was alone in her cell.

The last death reported in the jail was a suicide by hanging in October 2014.