Results from an autopsy performed on a Bradley County Jail inmate who died in March while in custody indicates he suffered from a fatal medical condition, officials said.
The autopsy report indicates that Hershel Cooney Dover died March 18, 2016, as a result of "diabetic atherosclerotic hypertensive cardiomyopathy, with other significant conditions of COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]," officials said. Dr. Jeffrey L. Miller ruled the manner of death as natural.
On March 18 Chief Deputy Brian Smith notified superiors that Dover had died after he became ill in the jail. Dover had been placed in a separate cell for observation. While in that cell, his symptoms worsened, officials said. Emergency medical personnel were summoned, but Dover still died.
10th Judicial District Attorney Stephen Crump initiated an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation that same day. Agents responded and conducted an investigation that confirmed the details related by Chief Smith and corrections personnel. In addition, an autopsy was performed on Dover, officials said.
Bradley officials said Tuesday that the investigation and review of this death is concluded and no further action will be taken.