BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A detainee at the Whatcom County Jail passed away early on Thursday morning.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) spokesperson Deb Slater says the person was found in “medical distress” during a security check around 2:40 a.m.

Corrections deputies immediately provided aid and called for emergency medical services, but the person died.

Slater says the Sheriff’s Office is not disclosing the identity of the deceased, but the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The Sheriff’s Office has asked Bellingham Police to investigate the incident.

Sheriff Donnell Tanksley mourned the passing of the detainee, calling it a “devastating reminder” of the responsibility that comes with caring for those in the jail’s custody.