HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is investigating an in-custody death at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, HCSO corrections deputies were made aware of an inmate, Matthew Vandergriff, going into cardiac arrest.
The HCSO said Vandergriff had been routinely treated for a prior chronic illness.
The corrections deputies immediately contacted medical personnel and began administering medical aid while awaiting an ambulance.
Vandergriff was later transported to nearby hospital for further treatment.
After several hours of receiving care, he was pronounced dead.
District Attorney Coty Wamp was notified of the situation and instructed the HCSO to conduct an investigation.
Vandergriff was being housed at the jail on charges of arson and violating an order of protection.
After the investigation concludes, the findings will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office.
According to the HCSO, this is the third in-custody death to occur at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center this year.
