Inmate dies after having apparent seizure

An inmate at the Stock Island jail who had an apparent seizure in his cell just after midnight was pronounced dead at Lower Keys Hospital.

28 year old Michael Gunderson of Sugarloaf Key  was arrested February 23^rd after being stopped on the Boca Chica four lane for driving erratically. He was found to have no driver’s license and was in possession of heroin, cocaine and marijuana, all of which he was charged for possession.

The Corrections deputy on duty was doing a regularly scheduled check of cells  at approximately 11:30 p.m. when he saw Gunderson laying on the floor of his cell with a blanket on top of him. Gunderson had no roommate and was alone in the cell. The deputy opened the cell door to tell Gunderson to get back onto his bunk. At that point, the deputy saw Gunderson’s hands were clenched. Further observation revealed he appeared to be having a seizure.

Nurses on duty at the jail responded to the housing unit and the fire department was also notified and responded. Gunderson was transported to Lower Keys Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Major Crimes Detective Manuel Cuervo responded to investigate. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was also notified and will be investigating. Detective Cuervo said there were no obvious signs of foul play.