MADRAS, OR -- A Portland man died Wednesday, at the Jefferson County Jail, following an apparent illness. It’s the first inmate death at the facility.

Warm Springs Police arrested 59-year-old James Wippel on Monday, on several drug-related charges. According to Sheriff Jim Adkins, Wippel reported not feeling well Wednesday morning, and jail nursing staff prepared to take him to the hospital.

He began showing signs of distress and staff called for an ambulance. Paramedics arrived and, while preparing him for transport, they had to perform CPR, but their efforts to save the man were unsuccessful.

Sheriff Adkins has requested an autopsy and an investigation by the Central Oregon Major Incident Team.