Polk County Jail inmate dies following medical emergency

POLK COUNTY, Ga. – A 44-year-old woman who experienced a medical emergency while being held at the Polk County Jail has died.

According to an update from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Andrea Sevcech died late Wednesday night at AdventHealth Redmond Hospital. Her next of kin were notified at the scene.

The incident occurred at approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, when jail staff were assisting Sevcech, who had been housed at the jail for approximately two days.

Officials said Sevcech had been placed under medical observation when she arrived at the jail because of apparent indicators of withdrawal. She had been arrested on a charge of possession of methamphetamine and was medically cleared for admission to the jail by Polk Medical Center.

While staff were assisting her with a shower, they noticed something was wrong. Officials said Sevcech became unresponsive after sitting in a chair.

Jail staff immediately called 911 and began life-saving measures, including CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator and administration of Narcan.

EMS personnel took over treatment upon arrival and transported Sevcech to an area hospital.

The sheriff’s office initially withheld her identity because of limited information available from the hospital and uncertainty over whether her next of kin had been notified.

The investigation has since been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and remains ongoing.

The sheriff’s office said questions or information regarding the case should be directed to the GBI’s Calhoun office.

No additional information was immediately available.