BEL AIR, MD—The Office of the State Medical Examiner has determined that the death of Brittani Ugrotzi, a 33-year-old inmate at Harford County Detention Center (HCDC), was due to natural causes compounded by COVID-19 pneumonia and dehydration, complicated by opioid withdrawal. Ugrotzi died on May 7, 2024, marking the second COVID-19-related death at the facility since the pandemic began.
Ugrotzi was found unresponsive in her cell at approximately 10:40 PM on May 7. Deputies and medical service providers at HCDC immediately administered lifesaving measures until medics arrived and continued their efforts. Despite these attempts, Ugrotzi was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was then transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
An investigation by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, as per policy, revealed no evidence of foul play or suicide. Ugrotzi had been booked into HCDC on theft charges on May 3, 2024, and was under medical supervision for opioid withdrawal at the time of her death.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges faced by detention centers in managing the health and safety of inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
