The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 14 the cause and manner of death for Eugene Rodman Smith, a 55-year-old man who died while in custody at the San Diego Central Jail. Smith was found unresponsive in his holding cell late on Oct. 1, 2025, and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Smith had been alone in his cell when deputies discovered him during routine duties. Emergency medical staff were called immediately, and lifesaving measures were initiated by both deputies and paramedics from the San Diego Fire Department. Despite these efforts, Smith was declared deceased at about 1:15 a.m. on Oct. 2, according to information released by the Sheriff’s Office.
An autopsy conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Smith died from acute peritonitis due to chronic pancreatitis with a ruptured pancreatic pseudocyst. The report also cited hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as well as alcohol use disorder as contributing factors. The manner of death was classified as natural.
Smith had been booked into custody for public intoxication on Sept. 29, 2025, and was a resident of the City of San Diego at the time of his death.
“The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office extends its sympathies to the Smith family and all those affected by his passing,” said officials in their statement. “A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer will continue to support the family during this difficult time.” The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) has been notified about this incident, which is standard protocol for all deaths occurring in custody.
As part of ongoing procedures following an in-custody death, “the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit responded and is conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all aspects of this incident are examined,” according to authorities.
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