On July 19, 2024, the Office of the State Medical Examiner released the manner and cause of death for Brittani Ugrotzi, who died on May 7, 2024, at Harford County Detention Center (HCDC). Ugrotzi’s, age 33, death was determined to be of natural causes with contributing factors of COVID-19 pneumonia with dehydration complicated by opioid withdrawal. This is the second inmate to die of COVID-19 while in the custody of the Harford County Detention Center, since the beginning of the pandemic.

At approximately 10:40 p.m., on May 7, 2024, Ugrotzi was located unresponsive in her cell. Deputies assigned to the HCDC and contracted medical services providers immediately began to administer lifesaving aid until medics arrived. Medics continued to provide care, but Ugrotzi was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy and determination of manner and cause of death.

Pursuant to policy, the inquiry into the Ugrotzi’s death was assumed by detectives with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. There was no evidence or indication of foul play or suicide.

Ugrotzi was booked into the HCDC on May 3, 2024, on theft charges. At the time of her death, she was under the supervision of the medical services provider for medically managed withdraw.

No further information is available at this time.