Buncombe County -- January 26, 2026: An inmate at the Buncombe County Detention Facility died Saturday night after a medical emergency, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office. Detention staff found Grey Hester unresponsive in his cell and attempted life-saving measures before he was transported to a local hospital.
Hester was discovered shortly after 8 p.m. during a routine cell inspection. The facility's medical team responded immediately and provided care until emergency medical services arrived. Hester was then taken to Mission Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hester had been booked into the facility on January 8, 2026. He was awaiting return to federal custody following a trial on state charges. Authorities believe the cause of death was medical in nature, the North Carolina State Medical Examiner will make the official determination.
Investigation and Notification
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been notified and will investigate the death, in accordance with standard protocol. The District Attorney's Office and federal officials have also been notified.
Sheriff Quentin Miller released a statement expressing condolences to Hester's family and confirming that the appropriate parties have been informed.
WNCTimes