Inmate dies in Vermilion Parish prison; foul play not suspected

According to Sheriff Eddie Langlinais, on Dec. 17 at 2:50 a.m., an inmate notified correctional deputies at the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center of an inmate experiencing a medical emergency.

Upon opening the cell, correctional deputies found that Mitchel P. Bertrand (W/M, DOB: 11/20/1971) of Abbeville was unresponsive and not breathing.
Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Correctional Deputies immediately began performing Life-Saving measures on Bertrand until Acadian Ambulance Service paramedics arrived.
Once paramedics arrived on scene, Life-Saving measures continued, and Bertrand was transported by Acadian Ambulance Services to Abbeville General Hospital. Hospital staff continued life-saving measures until Bertrand was pronounced deceased at 3:42 a.m.
Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Detectives were contacted to initiate an investigation. Through the investigation, it was learned that Bertrand began showing signs of distress, and within one minute, life-saving measures were started.
After reviewing video footage in the initial phase of the investigation, no foul play is suspected. Any further updates will be offered when they are deemed appropriate.
Sheriff Eddie Langlinais personally extends his deepest sympathies to Bertrand’s family.
He offers his gratitude to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputies at the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center for their swift response to the emergency.
Sheriff Langlinais also extends a thank you to the Detectives investigating this incident, and the medical professionals at Acadian Ambulance Services and Abbeville General Hospital for their life-saving efforts.