A mentally-disturbed person who was being transported to Augusta University Medical Center for an evaluation Sunday died during the trip, sparking a GBI investigation.
Deputies answered a lunchtime call to Cardwell Street in Hephzibah about a 32-year-old mentally-disturbed person, according to a press release from sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Shane McDaniel Sr.
From the press release: “Upon deputies arrival and learning of the subject’s mental condition, it was decided to transport the subject to Augusta University for a mental evaluation. While en route to the hospital, the transporting deputy observed the subject in the rear of his patrol car not responding to the deputy. The deputy stopped the patrol car at Woodlake drive and Windsor Spring Road and observed the subject was not breathing. The deputy immediately notified EMS and began to render first aid. Upon EMS’ arrival, the subject was transported to Augusta University E.R. where he was later pronounced deceased.”
Coroner Mark Bowen identified the man as 32-year-old Tenniel Ealey of the 100 Kim Court, Blythe Ga.
“Ealey was pronounced dead at Augusta University Medical Center. Ealey was transported to the GBI Lab for an autopsy tomorrow,” the coroner said in a press release.
The sheriff’s office has also withheld the deputy’s name.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been notified and are currently starting an independent investigation.
Stay tuned….
