Female inmate, 38, dies at Shelby County Jail; investigation underway [Video]

An investigation is underway after a female inmate died at the Shelby County Jail.

Carly Smith, 38, of Birmingham, was arrested Aug. 8 on the felony charge of obstruction of justice using a false identity. Court records state she provided a fake name and social security number to avoid being taken into custody on multiple outstanding warrants.

Smith was assessed by on-site medial staff when she was booked into the jail.

Deputies doing a scheduled safety check by jail deputies earlier today – just before 2 a.m. – found Smith to be in apparent medical distress, according to a sheriff’s office press release.

The jail medical staff and deputies began emergency life-saving efforts until Southeast Shelby Rescue medics arrived to assist with the medical aid.

Smith was pronounced dead at the jail at 2:26 a.m.

Sheriff John Samaniego has requested the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an outside …