Written by Tuesday, 4th, August 2026
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 59-year-old man who died after being found unresponsive inside the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central over the weekend.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Todd Williams, 59, was discovered unresponsive in his housing unit at approximately 8:55 a.m. Saturday by a detention officer, who immediately requested medical assistance.
Sheriff’s Office personnel began life-saving measures that continued until emergency responders arrived. Mecklenburg EMS responded to the detention center at approximately 9:16 a.m., followed by the Charlotte Fire Department at 9:22 a.m. Williams was transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (Atrium Main) at approximately 9:40 a.m.
Despite continued live-saving efforts by detention staff and medical personnel, Williams was pronounced dead at approximately 3:37 a.m. Sunday, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Williams had been booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central on July 27.
In a statement, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden extended condolences to Williams’ family while emphasizing the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability during the investigation.
“On behalf of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” McFadden said. “We recognize the profound loss they are experiencing, and they remain in our thoughts as they grieve. Any death in our custody is taken with the utmost seriousness, and we remain dedicated to the care of every person entrusted in our custody.“
McFadden also addressed the challenges faced by the Sheriff’s Office, noting that it operates the largest Sheriff’s Office in the Carolinas while managing an overcrowded detention facility that houses individuals with significant physical and mental health conditions, substance use disorders and other complex medical needs.
“We are entrusted with caring for individuals who often arrive with significant physical and mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and other complex medical needs, while operating in an overcrowded detention center,” McFadden said. “These realities require constant vigilance, compassion, and collaboration with our medical partners. Although we cannot always prevent every tragedy, we remain committed to providing appropriate care, maintaining transparency, and continuously working to improve the health and safety of everyone in our custody.“
The Sheriff’s Office said it is fully cooperating with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which is conducting an independent investigation into the in-custody death.
The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine Williams’ official cause and manner of death.
This is a developing story. Updates will be posted as additional information is released by law enforcement officials.