State investigators are looking into an inmate’s death at the Hamilton County Jail, officials said Tuesday.
It’s the first in-custody death reported at the jail in 2026, according to a Sheriff’s Office press release.
Colin Shannon, 31, experienced a medical emergency Monday evening, the press release said. He received medical aid, including naloxone and CPR, before he was moved to a local hospital and declared dead.
The press release said Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp’s office was notified, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation responded to investigate. The completed findings will be sent to the prosecutor’s office for review.
A sheriff’s deputy pulled Shannon over on Friday in Hixson on Highway 153 for a traffic stop, according to an arrest report. The arresting officer said the driver appeared to be under the influence of drugs.
Shannon told the deputy he uses fentantyl, according to the arrest report. The deputy said that during a search with consent, a small plastic bag containing a drug and drug paraphernalia fell out of the inside of Shannon’s pants.
The officer then transported Shannon to the Hamilton County Jail, the report said.
Shannon was held in custody on a $3,500 bond in connection with two drug-related charges and a charge of driving on a revoked, suspended or canceled license, according to online court records.
His next scheduled court date was Aug. 17 before Hamilton County General Sessions Judge Lila Statom, according to online court records.
No further details are available, according to a press release.
Contact courts reporter Mason Edwards at medwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6409.