Authorities Investigating Death at Jefferson County Jail

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A death investigation is underway following death of 39-year-old Patrick D. Watz, of House Springs, at the Jefferson County Jail. According to a statement from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Watz was discovered unresponsive in his cell just before midnight on October 13, 2024.

Corrections officers and the jail nurse were alerted to a medical emergency involving Watz and immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, the attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, and Watz was pronounced dead at the scene by Valle Ambulance District personnel.

Watz, who had been booked earlier that day on a charge of Driving While Intoxicated, was known to have a history of medical issues. His body has been transported to the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, which remains unknown at this time.

Sheriff’s Office detectives are currently reviewing evidence and conducting interviews with witnesses in an effort to understand the circumstances leading up to Watz’s death. As of now, there is no indication that anyone else was involved in the incident.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to gather more information.