Inmate dies following apparent seizures

A Hernando County Jail inmate died Monday of unknown causes following a seizure in his cell, according to a Hernando County Sheriff's Office press release.

Edward A. Thomas, 37, of Dade City, was pronounced dead at 5:17p.m. Monday at Brooksville Regional Hospital following a series of seizures that began while in his cell.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies noticed Thomas was having a seizure and notified nursing staff while attempting to help him.

Thomas, who was in jail for contempt of court for failing to pay child support, told the nurse he had never had seizures before. About 10 minutes later, he had trouble breathing and had another seizure.

He was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he died almost an hour later, the report showed.

An autopsy has been scheduled today while officials report that the death appears to be of natural causes.