GLASGOW, Ky. — The investigation into a Barren County Detention Center inmate’s death has been closed.
Sara McDaniel, 36, died at the jail April 24. She was involved in a physical altercation beforehand. Methamphetamine and marijuana were discovered at the property where the altercation occurred.
The woman was discovered lying face down in her jail cell, according to a medical examiner’s report obtained from Kentucky State Police. She was last seen moving at 11:17 a.m. and was pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m.
McDaniel’s toxicology report revealed the presence of mitragynine, cotinine and THC derivatives.
Mitragynine is a Thai medicinal plant commonly known as kratom, according to PubChem.gov. The herbal drug has been used for decades as energy relief and muscle strains. It’s a substitute for opium and is often used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Dr. Darius Arabadjief completed an autopsy and determined McDaniel’s cause of death as acute mitragynine intoxication. The death was noted as accidental.
McDaniel admitted to police she had used methamphetamine with her boyfriend in the days before her death. She told jail staff she hadn’t taken any drugs.
THC derivates are a result of marijuana consumption, and cotinine is a byproduct of nicotine’s metabolism.
The case was closed Oct. 20, 2021.
