Died in jail or a lockup
Bryan Hester
Bryan Hester, 56, of Salem, died while held at the Marion County Jail in Illinois on July 5, 2026. Sheriff Kevin Cripps said he was found unresponsive in his cell and that the death is believed to be a suicide attempt. The county coroner pronounced him dead at 6:36 p.m. that evening, and the investigation is ongoing.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide. Sheriff Kevin Cripps says Bryan Hester was found unresponsive in his cell in what is believed to be a suicide attempt, and the investigation is ongoing.
Reported by: Marion County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Marion County coroner (medical examiner or coroner).