Inmate death at Hampton Roads Regional Jail under investigation

Portsmouth — Hampton Roads Regional Jail is investigating after an inmate died Friday afternoon, according to a news release.

The inmate — who has not been identified — was found unresponsive around noon, the release said. Efforts to revive the inmate were unsuccessful, the facility said.

Portsmouth police confirmed Saturday that they are investigating, which is standard when an inmate dies at the regional facility, located in Portsmouth. Police did not identify the inmate or provide information about how the person died.

In response to a list of emailed questions, Col. Jeff Vergakis, interim superintendent of the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, told The Virginian-Pilot he was unable to answer them Saturday.

Margaret Matray, 757-222-5216, margaret.matray@pilotonline.com

Sierra Jenkins, 229-462-8896, sierra.jenkins@virginiamedia.com