Columbia County, FL – An inmate at the Columbia County Detention Facility was found unresponsive inside his cell around 6 a.m. Friday, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say detention staff immediately began lifesaving measures before EMS arrived. The inmate, identified as James Michael Millard, 64, was pronounced deceased by emergency personnel.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, there were no signs of foul play. Millard’s body was sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy, and his next of kin were notified shortly afterward by Sheriff Mark Hunter Kitchings.
Because the death occurred in custody, the case has been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for investigation. Officials said any questions about the ongoing case should be directed to FDLE investigators.
Authorities noted that Millard was housed in the west section of the jail, separate from the area impacted by a fire alarm incident Thursday night.
Records show Millard was booked into the facility on October 9, 2025, for a probation violation and was being held without bond.
The Sheriff’s Office said additional details will be released once the FDLE concludes its investigation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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