Sheriff’s officials identify 35-year-old inmate who died at hospital

A 35-year-old man who died after he was found unresponsive in his San Diego Central Jail cell last week was identified Friday.

Steven Curren was in medical distress in his cell when he was found by jail staff around 3:10 p.m. on Aug. 30, sheriff’s Lt. Juan Marquez said. Staff began performing life-saving measures and called 911.

Paramedics took Curren to a hospital, where he died at 4:30 p.m., Marquez said.

“The San Diego Sheriff’s Office extends our sympathies to the Curren family and all those affected by his passing,” Marquez said. “A sheriff’s family liaison officer will continue to support the family as they navigate through this difficult time.”

The cause of death was not immediately available.

Marquez said Curren had been in custody since Aug. 29 and was facing allegations of vehicle theft and possession of stolen property.

The Sheriff’s Office said Curren’s death is being investigated by its homicide division, as are all in-custody deaths. It is also being reviewed by the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board, the county’s civilian oversight body.

He is the eighth person to die at a San Diego County jail this year.