Investigators have yet to determine the cause of death of 42-year-old Nikko C. Gambino, an inmate of the Genesee County Jail, who died Friday after being transported to UMMC.
Gambino was reportedly going through withdrawals from drugs and suffered various other medical issues, according to Sheriff Gary Maha.
Medical examiners have yet to determine the cause of death and are conducting an autopsy.
Gambino most recently made news locally after he was caught allegedly smuggling drugs into the jail. In that case, the search warrant was executed at UMMC, where Gambino reportedly had to pass the drugs before they could be recovered.
At the time, the Covington resident was serving an intermittent jail sentence for impersonating a federal law enforcement officer.
In a press release, Maha said Gambino was being closely monitored by corrections officers and medical personnel because of his health issues.
On Friday, at 2:12 p.m., a corrections officer spoke with Gambino who reportedly motioned he was OK. At 2:26 p.m., an officer making his rounds "noticed that Mr. Gambino wasn't doing well," Maha said.
The officer summoned assistance and another corrections officer administered CPR.
Gambino was transported to UMMC by Mercy EMS. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 3:05 p.m.
As required by regulations, the NYS Commission of Corrections was notified immediately of Gambino's death. The commission will conduct its own investigation, as required by law.
There is no sign of foul play, Maha said.
No signs of foul play? They
No signs of foul play? They are looking in the wrong direction. Nikko had a letter from his physician stating that he must take his perscribed medication, if he abruptedly stopped the medication he would likely die of a heart attack. Regardless, he was sentenced to 3 days a week for a stupid prank, and told he could not take his medication while in jail.
Knowing that the withdraw would likely kill him, he attempted to smuggle his perscription into the jail. Upon finding the medicine, he was kept without bail and accused of sneaking drugs into the jail to sell.
I thought withdraw was a long and painful process, not something you died from in <15 minutes.
Nikko had a bad past, but had done his time and was a changed person. People who knew him found him to be a giving person who was always ready to help someone out, a great lover of animals, and a devoted husband.