KCSO investigating Shoshone County Jail inmate's death

WALLACE — The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a Shoshone County Jail inmate.

During a routine security check, Dwayne Noel, 51, was found around noon Sept. 18 unconscious, hanging inside one of the cells.

Lifesaving measures were attempted by jail staff while emergency medical crews were en route to the facility. Once they arrived, crews from Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 were able to get Noel’s pulse back and he was transported to Kootenai Health, where he later died.

Noel was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to a charge of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine.

His sentencing was set for Nov. 13.

Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey explained in a news release that whenever a death occurs inside a jail, a separate law enforcement agency is called in to handle the investigation, which is why it’s being handled by Kootenai County.

“According to the CDC, Idaho is ranked 12th in the nation for the highest suicide rate,” Lindsey said. “As bad as this number is, Idaho has made traction in suicide awareness efforts in the past few years as we used to be ranked fifth in the nation. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for our youth in Idaho.”

Lindsey said deputies most recently responded to the suicide of a 24-year-old.

“In my line of work, I speak to a ton of people every day, and it’s no surprise to me that many of the people I talk to have family tragedies involving suicide," the sheriff said. "It’s heartbreaking and it devastates families.”

Lindsey noted the uptick in what can be difficult calls for law enforcement officers.

“Devastated, it seems like I've had to use that word several times lately to describe the recent tragedies happening in Shoshone County,” Lindsey said. “All of us go through times of hardship. All of us do — so just remember that you are not alone. There are people out there who want to help you get through the tough times and see another day.”

For anyone who may be experiencing a crisis or thoughts of suicide, or knows of someone else who may be, dial the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call the Shoshone County Crisis and Resource Center at 208-556-0500.