Marion County Jail Inmate Discovered Dead in Cell

Donald Wayne Friedrichs of Grand Ronde, Oregon's cause of death is unknown at this time, pending the results of an autopsy

Donald Wayne Friedrichs of Grand Ronde, Oregon, died in a Marion County Jail cell.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County Jail officials reported the death of inmate, 57-year old Donald Wayne Friedrichs of Grand Ronde, Oregon today. Mr. Friedrichs' cellmate alerted deputies at about 2:50 a.m., Thursday morning when he suspected something was wrong with Friedrichs, according to Don Thomson with the sheriff's office.

"Deputies entered his cell and found Friedrichs lying on his side in his bunk, facing the wall. He was covered with a blanket and appeared to be sleeping."

Thomson says attempts to awaken Don Friedrich were unsuccessful. Deputies and the nursing staff at the jail began resuscitation efforts immediately and paramedics were requested.

Salem Fire Department personnel responded but were unsuccessful in their attempt to revive Mr. Friedrichs, who was pronounced dead at 3:22 a.m. Don Friedrichs had spent the last 178 days in custody, pending trial for several counts of Kidnapping I & II and Sexual Abuse II and III. He had additional warrants from Polk County for Possession of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Use of a Motor vehicle. Deputy District Attorney David Wilson and the Medical Examiner participated in the investigation of Friedrichs' death.

The cause of death is unknown at this time, pending the results of an autopsy. His relatives have been notified.