IN CUSTODY DEATH INVESTIGATION

Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office

ROSEBURG, Ore. – A Roseburg man has died while in custody at the Douglas County Jail.

On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at approximately 7:19 am, a deputy discovered that a male adult in custody (AIC) was not responsive. Deputies summoned emergency services, who confirmed the AIC, identified as 45-year-old Thomas Phillip Vorhis of Roseburg, was deceased. 

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin requested the assistance of the Roseburg Police Department, an outside agency, to investigate the circumstances of the death. An autopsy will be performed on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office in Clackamas. Currently there are no indications of foul play, although the investigation is ongoing.  

“I extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Vorhis’ loved ones,” Sheriff Hanlin said. “Any death that occurs in the Corrections facility is taken seriously and fully investigated. I wish to thank the Roseburg Police Department for independently investigating this death and for their careful and thoughtful review of the facts.”

Any further information will be released by the Roseburg Police Department. 

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