Bibb County Jail inmate died hours after mental health evaluation

Wesley Gautney died hours after mental health professionals cleared him to return to the cellblock.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Bibb County Jail inmate was found unresponsive in his cell Monday night, prompting an investigation by the sheriff’s office.

41-year-old Wesley Gautney, who was pronounced dead at Atrium Health Navicent about an hour later, was found in his cell after all inmates had been secured for the night, according to Sheriff David Davis.

“Any time someone takes their life, it is a tragic incident, situation,” he said, adding it’s often difficult to comprehend what individuals experience before making such decisions.

Earlier that day, Gautney had been evaluated by mental health professionals from River Edge, who determined he was stable enough to return to the cellblock.

“They talked to him and deemed him okay to go back on the block,” Davis said.

Frederica McClary-Myers, the Chief Clinical Officer at River Edge, outlined the protocols in place for inmates experiencing severe mental health crises. These measures include isolating individuals in a designated area within the jail’s infirmary.

“We do have daily visitations with the individual to continue to assess their level of suicidality, homicidality,” she explained.

On average, River Edge handles around 100 inmates per month, with many struggling to acclimate to the realities of incarceration.

“We see a lot of depression, we see a good amount of severe persistent mental illnesses for individuals,” Myers said.

She also mentioned the critical role family members and the community can play in supporting inmates.

“Mental health is real, places can amplify our symptomology so contact, communication with their loved one while they’re incarcerated is important,” she said. “Being able to hear and inquire how they’re doing is helpful. Encouragement and just maintaining that communication.”