safety
Tarrant county commissioner addresses deaths of county jail inmates
By Frank Heinz at NBC DFW
· June 18, 2026
· 2 min read
Commissioner Alisa Simmons held a press conference on the Tarrant County in-custody jail deaths that took place this week. Two 40-year-old men died this week after suffering apparent medical emergencies while being held at the Tarrant County Jail, according to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. Th
Key takeaway Two 40-year-old men died this week after suffering apparent medical emergencies while being held at the Tarrant County Jail, according to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The recent in-custody deaths at the Tarrant County Jail raise concerns about the medical care and screening processes in place for inmates. As the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office works to determine the causes of death, the community will be watching to see if any changes are made to the jail's protocols. The fact that both men refused medical assessments when they were booked into the jail highlights the challenges faced by jail staff in identifying and addressing medical concerns. With many individuals entering the facility struggling with substance abuse or other long-term health issues, it is crucial that the jail's screening process is effective in identifying potential health risks. The deaths also underscore the need for continued collaboration between the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office and local healthcare providers, such as John Peter Smith Hospital, to ensure that inmates receive adequate medical care.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Commissioner Alisa Simmons held a press conference on the Tarrant County in-custody jail deaths that took place this week. Two 40-year-old men died this week after suffering apparent medical emergencies while being held at the Tarrant County Jail, according to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. Th
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Frank Heinz at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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