Update: Coroner Identifies Inmate Found Unresponsive at El Paso County Jail

SHR and Media Partners:

Below is the text found in the attached Sheriff’s Office Media Release:

At approximately 6:47 pm on July 24, 2025, a 47-year-old female (in custody) was found unresponsive in her cell at the El Paso County Jail.

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies and medical staff responded and began rendering lifesaving efforts and immediate medical care.

At approximately 6:57 pm, medical personnel from American Medical Response (AMR) and the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) arrived and assumed medical care of the individual, continuing life-saving efforts.

At 7:40 pm, the individual was pronounced deceased, and life-saving efforts ceased.

The deceased individual has been identified as 47-year-old Paula Orth.

Our Office extends our condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.

Sheriff Roybal has ordered an in-depth investigation into the incident. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division will conduct this investigation, adhering to the standards we provide for all citizens of El Paso County.

Upon initial investigation, there was no indication of self-harm, assault, or foul play.

Sheriff Roybal has requested an autopsy by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, which will also determine Ms. Orth’s cause and manner of death.

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Contact Information

Phone
(719) 520-7100

Address
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
27 East Vermijo Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Office hours
8:00 am – 4:30 pm