The GBI has determined that an 18-year-old inmate died in the Dawson County jail last month due to “combined drug intoxication.”

The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to perform the autopsy of Jonathan Sanford after he died June 2, AJC.com previously reported. Sanford was found unresponsive in his cell following his arrest on a DUI charge.

GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles provided a statement from the agency Friday about the autopsy’s findings.

“A GBI Medical Examiner has ruled Jonathan Sanford’s death accidental due to a combined drug intoxication,” the statement said.

The investigation into Sanford’s death is ongoing, Miles added.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC