AUBURN – A Placer County jail inmate died in his cell Saturday of natural causes, according to a news release from the coroner-marshal in the Sheriff's Department.
Authorities say Ronald Anthony Ahern, 44, a transient, had been in jail since Friday after being arrested on suspicion of assault and making criminal threats. They said Ahern had a long history of medical conditions.
During a routine cell check at 12:50 p.m. Saturday, authorities said Aherne appeared well. When an officer came to his cell at 1:38 p.m. to transfer him, he was unresponsive. Jail medical staff pronounced him dead at 2:08 p.m.
At the time of his death, Ahern was alone in his cell and did not have access to other inmates. Authorities have ruled out foul play, but are awaiting results of an autopsy later this week.
– Chelsea Phua
