By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–A 48-year-old man who was in the custody of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office died Thursday morning at a local hospital, according to authorities.
The Sheriff’s Homicide Unit was notified on June 18 that Travis Hughes had passed away while receiving medical care for a preexisting health condition.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Hughes was transported from the Rock Mountain Detention Facility to a local hospital on May 20. He was later transferred to a second hospital on June 4, where he received palliative care as his condition worsened.
Officials said Hughes’ health continued to decline, and he was pronounced dead at 8:47 a.m. on June 18.
Hughes had been arrested by the San Diego Police Department on Aug. 10, 2025. At the time of his death, he was facing charges that included violating parole, making criminal threats, and providing false identification to a police officer. Court records show he was scheduled to appear in court on June 25.
The Sheriff’s Office said Hughes’ next of kin has been notified. The agency expressed condolences to his family and others affected by his death and stated that a Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer will assist the family during the process.
As required in all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit responded and has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board has also been notified.
The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office following its investigation.
