Released: January 27, 2014 - Monday, 06:06 PM
Inmate Death
Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781 4547Date and time of incident: 1-27-14, Approximately 2:15 PMPlace of Occurrence: Sierra Vista Medical Center, San Luis ObispoVictim Information: Rudy Joseph Silva, 35, TransientSuspect Information: N/AOn 1-23-14, an inmate at the San Luis Obispo County Jail complained to staff of being ill. He was evaluated and it was determined at that time to transfer him by ambulance to Sierra Vista Medical Center in San Luis Obispo. He was diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus and was transferred to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The inmate remained at the hospital until 1-27-14 when he died at approximately 2:15 PM. The inmate has been identified as Rudy Joseph Silva, a 35-year-old transient with a prior medical history. Silva was booked into County Jail by San Luis Obispo Police on 10-22-13 and was being held on a felony charge of receiving stolen property as well as charges of violating his probation, petty theft, and possession of a controlled substance. The exact cause of death is pending an investigation by the Coroner. Silva's family was allowed to visit him while he was in the hospital. Even before this incident, jail staff has been taking steps to protect themselves and the inmate population from the flu including offering flu shots and testing any new inmates coming into the jail for the flu virus. 
