A 64-year-old man held at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center died Monday, July 27, at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center after deputies found him in cardiac arrest the day before, the Cobb County Sheriff's Office announced that same morning.
Robert Hardy had been detained at the Marietta facility for more than six weeks when deputies discovered him in cardiac arrest on Sunday, July 26, according to the sheriff's office. Medical staff rendered aid immediately, and Hardy was transported to Kennestone, where doctors placed him on a ventilator.
Life-saving measures failed.
The sheriff's office said Hardy did not have a viable path to recovery, and his family made the difficult decision to end his care.
Hardy was booked into the detention center on Thursday, June 11, on charges of first-degree arson, driving over a fire hose, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license. The sheriff's office did not provide details about the underlying incident that led to those charges.
What officials have not disclosed
The sheriff's office has not said how long Hardy was in cardiac arrest before deputies found him, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Officials also have not released details about the circumstances of his discovery.
Internal review underway
The Cobb County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Craig Owens, is conducting an internal review to confirm that staff followed all jail protocols. The agency said such reviews are standard following any in-custody death.
The Cobb County Medical Examiner will determine Hardy's official cause of death. No timeline for that determination has been announced.
Anyone with information related to this case can contact the Cobb County Sheriff's Office at 770-499-4600.
