Inmate dies from allergic reaction

April 21, 2008 - 8:57 AM

MONTCALM COUNTY (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A 30-year-old inmate at the Montcalm County Jail has died after being served a peanut butter sandwich.

 

Paul Thurston was arrested on an assault charge early Sunday and was lodged in the county jail.

 

At lunch he was served a peanut butter sandwich and had a severe allergic reaction. He was treated by the duty jail nurse, correctional staff and Montcalm County EMS before being transported to Sheridan Hospital where he later died.

 

Jail authorities say that Thurston was asked if he had any allergies during his booking procedure, but he did not inform them of his allergy.

 

The sheriff's department will conduct an internal investigation into the death.