April 18, 2024 11:40 a.m. 

An adult male who had been in custody at the Douglas County Jail died at CHI Mercy Medical Center on Monday.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday, deputies in the jail found 33-year-old Derek Michael Ruh unconscious and unresponsive in his bunk. O’Dell said deputies began efforts to resuscitate Ruh and dialed 911 for an ambulance. Once medical personnel arrived on the scene, they took over lifesaving efforts and transported Ruh to Mercy. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

O’Dell said the Douglas County Medical Examiners Office is investigating the death. On Tuesday, an autopsy was conducted at the Oregon State Medical Examiners Office. Full toxicological screening is pending, but Ruh’s death is suspected to be the result of a drug overdose.

O’Dell said drug overdose deaths within the community have increased significantly over the past several years. Sheriff John Hanlin said, “I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Ruh”.

Ruh had been taken into custody by the Roseburg Police Department on Sunday shortly after 10:00 p.m. He was being held at the jail on an arrest warrant out of Linn County.