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Hot Springs death under investigation, COVID-19 found in detention center

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News from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office 

LAKE COUNTY – On Oct. 15, during a routine medical check of Lake County Detention inmates, a COVID-19 test was administered to four inmates who were exhibiting mild cold-like symptoms.  

“Approximately 48 hours later, we were notified that those four tests came back positive for COVID,” said Lake County Sheriff Don Bell. “The four inmates are all contained within the same cell block and were the only inmates in that particular block. All other inmates have been tested and we are awaiting those results. The four who are positive continue to exhibit only minor symptoms.” 

“One staff member has tested positive, and we are awaiting testing results of other staff,” Bell said. “Since the onset of the virus last spring, the detention center has followed or surpassed all guidelines given by health officials. With the known presence of COVID-19 in the jail, enhanced protocol has been implemented.”

In other news, the Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious death. On Oct. 20, Lake County deputies and emergency medical responders were dispatched to a business on Camp Aqua Road in Hot Springs for the report of an unresponsive female found in a soaking pool at the business.  

“Lifesaving efforts were undertaken by other patrons of the business, but were unsuccessful,” Bell said. “The female was pronounced dead at the scene.”  

An investigation is underway by Lake County deputy coroners and detectives, and the body has been transported to the Montana State Crime Lab for autopsy. The male who was temporarily being held in connection with the suspicious death was released with no charges filed. The deceased female was identified as 39-year-old Keri Anne Allison. She moved to the Polson area in the previous year and is originally from the Marysville, Washington area.

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