Authorities identify woman who died while in custody of Platte County Sheriff's Office

Emma Lewis died for unknown reasons while in the custody of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office last week.

According to a press release, authorities found a 50-year-old Hispanic female, later identified as Lewis, in medical distress in the back of a transport van Thursday, June 9. She died shortly after arriving at the sheriff’s office following an approximate 5-minute ride following her arrest.

No reason for the arrest was given.

Lifesaving efforts were attempted but failed. Platte County sheriff Mark Owen asked the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the death.

According to the sheriff’s office update, Lewis lived in the Platte City area. Reports associated with her last week and/or the incident leading to her death had not yet been made available to The Citizen after a request.