BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A 46-year-old inmate died at the Erie County Holding Center after a medical emergency early Saturday morning, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office said.
Manuel Ortiz was pronounced dead at 12:51 a.m. Saturday, officials said.
Correctional health staff responded after Ortiz was found unresponsive in his cell shortly after midnight, officials said, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator.
The New York State Attorney General and the New York State Commission of Correction have been notified. An autopsy was conducted Saturday morning and results are pending, officials said.
Ortiz was taken into custody on Dec. 30, 2025 on charges of attempted burglary and criminal mischief following an investigation by the West Seneca Police Department; he also had pending charges in West Seneca of burglary, criminal contempt, criminal mischief, petit larceny and harassment.
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Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12.
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