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Prisoner died of blood clot, medical examiner rules
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An Allegheny County Jail inmate who died Monday of a blood clot that moved from his leg to his lungs, the Allegheny County medical examiner's office said today.
Larry V. Reitz, 46, died of pulmonary emboli due to deep vein thrombosis -- a condition in which a blood clot breaks free and moves to either the heart or lung. The medical examiner's office said his death was natural.
After being hospitalized for several weeks, Mr. Reitz was being transported back to the jail by a sheriff's deputy about 6:15 p.m. Monday, Allegheny County sheriff's Lt. Jack Kearney said.
When the prisoner stood to exit the van, he immediately fell and struck his head, Lt. Kearney said. After jail medical staff and paramedics were called, Mr. Reitz was transported back to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after being admitted, the lieutenant said.
Mr. Reitz was being held in the Allegheny County Jail on charges of criminal trespass and attempted burglary, among other offenses, according to online court records. He was scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing Jan. 28.
County police homicide detectives continue to investigate.
First Published January 8, 2013 3:13 pm
