Autopsy report’s best explanation of Douglas County Jail inmate’s death is ‘seizure activity’

According to an autopsy report from the state’s Office of the Coroner, a “cause of death cannot be established directly” for a Douglas County Jail inmate who died in May.

Rachel M. Hammers, 33, was found unresponsive at the jail by correctional staff at 9:51 a.m. on May 12.

Staff members initiated CPR, and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical workers transported her to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Hammers tested negative for alcohol or other drugs, and, according to the autopsy report, “the best explanation for cause of death is sudden death associated with seizure activity.”

The autopsy also noted Hammers’ history of seizure activity in 2010 during withdrawal from alcohol use.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which investigates inmate deaths, has not yet concluded its investigation into Hammers’ death, said deputy director Kyle Smith.

According to jail records, Hammers was booked into jail at 5:45 p.m. the day before she died on a warrant for failing to appear in district court. According to court records, the warrant was related to a February guilty plea to DUI, and prosecutors were seeking to revoke her probation.

Hammers was a 1997 graduate of Perry-Lecompton High School and a 2003 Kansas University graduate.

Hers was the first in-custody death at the jail, 3601 E. 25th St., since it opened in 1999, according to the sheriff’s office.