Jan. 05--A 37-year-old inmate from Chicago awaiting a federal trial committed suicide at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in the Loop over the weekend, according to an autopsy conducted Monday.
Alex G. Gilbert was found unresponsive at 10:40 a.m. Sunday in his cell, said Eric Williams, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to an autopsy conducted Monday by the Cook County medical examiner's office, Gilbert died due to hanging, and his death was ruled a suicide.
When Gilbert was found unresponsive, staff at the federal detention center initiated life-saving measures, Williams said.
Chicago Fire Department paramedics were called to the federal detention center at 71 W. Van Buren St. at 10:50 a.m., said Chicago Fire Department Chief Juan Hernandez.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Williams.
The FBI was notified, and an investigation into the matter is expected to be conducted, Williams said.
Gilbert arrived at the facility on Nov. 13, 2013, and was awaiting trial on a weapons offense, Williams said. The center houses men and women charged with federal crimes and has a current population of 562, Williams said.
Officials refused to release any further information about the inmate.
