Okla. Co. Jail Inmate, Who Tested Positive For COVID-19, Dies At OKC Hospital, Officials Say

An Oklahoma County jail inmate died at an Oklahoma City hospital. The inmate tested positive for COVID-19 before his death, jail officials said.

The inmate was 64-year-old Clarence Steven Merrell, detention center spokesman Mac Mullings said.

Merrell was booked into the detention center on June 26 for multiple felony offenses.

During his stay at the jail, he was oxygen dependent and was staying on the medical floor.

Merrell had a history of COPD and other respiratory issues, Mullings said.

On July 23, Merrell was taken to St. Anthony's Medical Center due to low oxygen levels. He stayed there until his death on Tuesday.

While at the hospital, Merrell tested positive for COVID-19.

The OSBI and the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office have been contacted but no foul play is suspected in Merrell's death, Mullings said.