An inmate at the Botetourt-Craig Regional Jail died of unknown causes Tuesday after he was found unresponsive in his cell.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death of Richard Jeffrey Sprinkel, 57, who was discovered by a correctional officer during routine checks, according to the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office.
The officer immediately began administering life-saving measures until an EMS crew arrived, but Sprinkel was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sprinkel was being held in single-occupancy cell in the Fincastle jail’s intake unit, pending classification on charges of violating a protective order, domestic assault, and possession of a firearm while subject to a protective order.
A spokeswoman for the Medical Examiner’s Office in 166su said autopsy results are pending, and it could be three to four months before a final conclusion is reached.
Sprinkel had previously worked as a teaching professional at several regional golf courses, including Blue Hills Golf Club in 166su and Ashley Plantation Country Club in Botetourt County.
No foul play is suspected, although Virginia State Police were asked to investigate the incident, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
“The entire event was captured on the facility’s video surveillance system and is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation,” the news release stated.
Routine checks of all inmates are conducted twice per hour as part of the jail’s standard operating procedures.
