Claiborne County Inmate Dies in Custody, Sheriff's Department Releases Cause

From The Big One -

An investigation into the death of an inmate at the Claiborne County Jail was initiated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at the request of the Claiborne County Sheriff's Department.

The incident happened on Friday, February 6, 2026, when 45-year-old Rachel Mason of Tazewell was found unresponsive. Jail staff attempted to revive Mason after she was discovered to have hung herself with a sheet from her bunk, but she passed away.

Claiborne County Sheriff Bob Brooks and Claiborne County Jail Administrator Tim Shrout told WRIL that records show the mandatory hourly physical jail check by corrections officers was conducted just 24 minutes prior to her being found unresponsive. At that time, Mason was conscious and coherent.

Her body was sent for autopsy. The preliminary findings indicate that foul play was doubtful.

The next of kin was notified of the incident before the findings were made public.