Inmate Dies After Suicide Attempt at Orange County Jail; Texas Rangers Investigating

ORANGE COUNTY, Texas — An inmate has died following an in-custody incident at the Orange County Jail, officials confirmed Monday, December 8, 2025.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the situation unfolded shortly before 8 p.m. on Sunday, when jail staff conducting routine inmate checks discovered a male inmate hanging inside his cell. The inmate was alone in the cell.

Detention staff immediately entered the cell and began performing life-saving measures. CPR continued until EMS arrived on scene. The inmate was transported by ambulance to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, where he was pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m. Monday.

Justice of the Peace Ben Collins Sr. has ordered an autopsy, as required for custodial deaths in Texas.

Per standard protocol, the Texas Rangers are now leading the custodial death investigation. Officials have not yet released the man’s identity, and it will remain withheld until his next of kin are notified.

This is a developing story. East Texas Banner will update as more information becomes available.