Died in jail or a lockup
Joseph Colin Sparks
Joseph Colin Sparks, 41, of Advance, died on Friday, October 2, 2026, while held at the Davie County Detention Center in Davie County, North Carolina. The Davie County Sheriff's Office said he was found unresponsive in his cell that morning, and Davie County EMS pronounced him dead at the scene. The State Bureau of Investigation and the sheriff's office are investigating the death. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death, and both remain pending.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined. Sheriff J.D. Hartman's office says the State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.