REPORT: Nacogdoches Inmate Commits Suicide, Investigation Begins

Officials with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office are reporting that an inmate at the Nacogdoches County Jail has died as a result of suicide. As required by state law the Texas Rangers have been requested to investigate this death

Jeffrey Wayne Burgay, 51 years of age, was arrested on Monday, February 05, 2024, and booked into the jail on two felony charges.

On the following Wednesday, a jailer conducting cell checks observed Burgay to have attempted suicide. Jailers made entry into the cell and started CPR. Jail medical staff also responded to the scene and assisted. Nacogdoches EMS and Fire responded to the scene as well.

Due to the immediate efforts of the jail staff and jail medical staff, Mr. Burgay had a pulse when EMS arrived. EMS took over life-saving efforts and transported Burgay to a local hospital. Family members were notified within a short time of the incident occurring.

Unfortunately, Burgay was pronounced deceased later that day (Wednesday) at 2:45 p.m. at the hospital.

Preliminary Investigation

A preliminary investigation has shown that Burgay was alone in his cell when the incident occurred. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an internal investigation, while the Texas Rangers conduct their investigation. An autopsy has also been ordered.

Sheriff Jason Bridges stated that, on average, the Nacogdoches County Jail has between 6-8 attempted suicides per year inside the jail. The last attempt was two weeks ago when a jailer was able to stop the incident during the initial process and save the inmate’s life.

Sheriff Bridges and the staff at the Sheriff’s Office and Jail extend their deepest condolences to the Burgay family.