Sheriff: Fall River woman dies by suicide at Bristol County House of Correction

DARTMOUTH — A 31-year-old Fall River woman apparently died by suicide Wednesday at Bristol County House of Correction, the sheriff said.

The woman, who is not being identified, apparently hanged herself, according to Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson. Her body was found about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday by a female corrections officer making her rounds.

She was revived at the House of Correction and transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford, where she died, the sheriff said.

She was being held in the women’s behavioral unit, which is located in the men’s facility of the Bristol County House of Correction, he said.

The woman was being held on a probation violation for assault and battery on a person over the age of 60 and also faced multiple assault and battery charges, the sheriff said.

The apparent suicide is being investigated by investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s office and internally by the sheriff’s department.

Megan Beleda, a spokeswoman for District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III’s office, confirmed Friday that the death is under investigation by her office. She did not say whether an autopsy to determine the cause of death had been conducted.

Approximately two hours before the woman’s body was found, she had “a good (phone) conversation” with a family member, which was monitored by mental health and medical staff per protocol at the House of Correction, the sheriff said.

“It’s tragic for the mental health people, the staff and the family. No one wants to see anything like this happen,” the sheriff said.

“There was absolutely no indication to anyone. This was a shock."

If you need help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.