Preliminary cause of death for sunflower inmate 10-12-2010

HEART AND LUNG DISEASE ARE THE PRELIMINARY CAUSES OF DEATH IN A SUNFLOWER COUNTY INMATE'S DEATH, PENDING A TOXICOLOGY REPORT. JOE HOWARD THORNTON, 46, COLLAPSED AT THE SUNFLOWER COUNTY JAIL AROUND 10:30 P.M. SATURDAY. THORNTON WAS RUSHED BY AMBULANCE TO THE SOUTH SUNFLOWER COUNTY HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT 12:02 A.M. SUNDAY.  THORNTON WAS BEING HELD AT THE JAIL BY THE INDIANOLA POLICE DEPARTMENT ON AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES.  AT THE REQUEST OF THE SHERIFF, THE MISSISSIPPI BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION IS CONDUCTING A DEATH INVESTIGATION OF THORNTON'S DEATH.  NO FOUL PLAY IS SUSPECTED AT THIS TIME.