Coroner releases cause of death for fallen jailer

Harris County Sheriff jailer Tronoski Jones, Jones died during a confrontation with a combative inmate while moving the inmate Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle ) Harris County Sheriff jailer Tronoski Jones, Jones died during a confrontation with a combative inmate while moving the inmate Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: James Nielsen, Staff Photo: James Nielsen, Staff Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Coroner releases cause of death for fallen jailer 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

Medical examiners have ruled that heart disease killed a Harris County jailer who died Thursday during an altercation with an inmate.

Tronoski Jones, 26, died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to a preliminary report from the Harris County Institute for Forensic Sciences posted Friday on the agency's website.

Jones's death was ruled to be of "natural causes," and not homicide or accident, the coroner's office determined.

During a news conference Thursday, Sheriff Ron Hickman praised Jones' service. He had been a detention officer almost four years.

The inmate was being moved about 4 a.m. Thursday from one section of the Harris County Jail at 1200 Baker to another area when the incident occurred.

Hickman said the inmate became confrontational and combative. It was during the altercation that Jones collapsed, Hickman said. He said the medical team at the jail, including a doctor, was not able to save Jones.

On Friday, the sheriff's office did not respond to calls or release additional information.