Ronald Smail, an Auburn man formerly in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, died early Thursday morning at Valley Medical Center in Renton.

The 55-year-old man had been booked into the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle last Saturday, and transferred to the Maleng Regional Justice Center the following day.

Responding immediately to a medical emergency with Smail at approximately 2:41 a.m. on Tuesday, staff initiated life-saving measures and contacted Medic One. The unit arrived at 2:58 a.m. and medical personnel continued response efforts while transporting Smail to Valley Medical Center.

Upper Kittitas County District Court later notified the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention that charges against the inmate were being dropped, so he was released from custody following the medical emergency.

As is standard procedure, determination of the cause and manner of death is under investigation by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking permission from family members to release further details of Smail’s medical condition and history.

As part of the standard review process for jail-related deaths, the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention also will work with Public Health – Seattle & King County to conduct an investigation of actions during Smail’s time in custody.