FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA — An inmate at the Shelby County Jail died in his cell March 3 after he was found unresponsive by corrections employees delivering breakfast.

Brandon Lee Hays, 27, of Pinson, was found unresponsive in cell at about 4:45 a.m., and was treated by on-site medical personnel at the jail. He was later pronounced dead by Southeast Shelby Rescue paramedics. The preliminary investigation found no signs of obvious physical injury, according to a news release issued by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Jail officials contacted the Alabama Bureau of Investigations, which will investigate Hays’ death as a matter of policy.  “The sheriff’s office will cooperate fully with this outside investigation,” the news release said.

Hays had been charged with first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. He was being held at the Shelby County Jail on a bond revocation with “no bond.”

In the sheriff’s office news release, Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry offered his condolences to Hays’ family and friends.

“While there are no words that bring immediate comfort, on behalf of the sheriff’s office and all of the corrections staff, I want to express our condolences for your loss,” Curry said.