The community of Braddock is mourning the sudden death of Nehemiah Rice, who was found unresponsive Monday morning inside a jail cell in Jones County.
Authorities said Rice, 21, was being held at the Jones County Adult Detention Center after being arrested by the Ellisville Police Department in connection with a fatal shooting at a local hotel. After questioning by an investigator, Rice was reportedly returned to his cell.
Hours later, corrections officers discovered him unresponsive. Emergency responders immediately began life-saving measures, including CPR and the administration of nasal Narcan, while waiting for an ambulance. Rice was transported by EMServ Ambulance Service to South Central Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:28 a.m.
Officials said the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death, which is standard procedure when an inmate dies in custody. A coroner’s autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.
Family and friends remember Rice as a young man whose presence and energy brought joy to those around him. His sudden passing has left loved ones grieving while also seeking answers about what led to his death.
As the investigation continues, the Braddock community and Rice’s family remain in mourning over the loss of a life cut tragically short. Messages of sympathy and support have been shared across the region as friends and neighbors reflect on his life and the impact he had on those who knew him. 🕊️
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