Inmate dead at Barton Street Jail

An inmate died at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre Tuesday morning.

Ministry of Corrections spokesperson Brent Ross confirmed the death in an email, but provided little other information.

• RELATED: Does the Barton Street jail have a deadly drug problem?
• RELATED: Latest inmate death inside Barton Street jail linked to drugs

"Given the matter us under Ministry, police and Coroner's investigation, it would be inappropriate to provide further detail," he said.

A tweet from the Hamilton fire department says that emergency crews were called in just after 8 a.m. for a medical call. The tweet was later upgraded to a "vital signs absent" call.

If the coroner determines the inmate died of anything other than natural causes, an inquest will be called.

"If the death is due to natural causes, the calling of the inquest will be at the discretion of the coroner," Ross said.

There have been five deaths inside the jail in recent years, and many have been linked to drug overdoses. A coroner's inquest is to be scheduledin the months to come to examine drug use in the jail.