Texas Rangers investigating Galveston inmate death from 'dehydration'

A 30-year old inmate died while in custody at the Galveston County Jail on March 14, 2019. The cause of death is being investigated by the Texas Rangers. A 30-year old inmate died while in custody at the Galveston County Jail on March 14, 2019. The cause of death is being investigated by the Texas Rangers. Photo: Galveston County Jail Photo: Galveston County Jail Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Texas Rangers investigating Galveston inmate death from 'dehydration' 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The death of an inmate at the Galveston County Jail Thursday morning is being investigated by the Texas Rangers, according to the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.

The inmate, a 30-year old man whose name has not yet been released, was transported to University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston at 6:20 p.m. Wednesday evening after reports that he was dehydrated. He was pronounced dead at 12:44 a.m. Thursday.

Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said the man's family has been notified of his death. His exact cause of death is unknown, and Trochesset was unaware if the man had any other medical conditions.

The man had been in custody since Jan. 4 on several charges, including felony possession of a firearm and burglary with intent to commit a felony.

Trochesset said he contacted the Galveston County District Attorney's Office as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety, who will conduct the in-custody death investigation.

A spokesman for the Texas Rangers confirmed the investigation and said the agency would refer its findings to the district attorney.

The Galveston County Jail has now had four in-custody deaths since 2015, according to the state Attorney General's custodial death database.

Nick Powell covers Galveston County for the Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter and send him tips at nick.powell@chron.com