Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The Whitman County Jail in Colfax.
COLFAX - The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled hanging as the cause of death for Nicholas Bunch, 40, of Garfield.
Corrections officers found Bunch hanging in his cell while conducting a regular round in the afternoon on Monday, June 12. Officers immediately notified Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and began lifesaving measures.
"We found the guy, and we at least got a heartbeat back," said Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers.
Bunch was transported to the emergency room at the Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinic before he was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center via Life Flight helicopter.
"There is a new process where we fully review the investigation," added Myers.
He was arrested and booked into the Whitman County Jail after attempting to steal a vehicle while armed on Friday, June 9.
Bunch was charged with Burglary in the First Degree, two counts of Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission in the Second Degree, Driving With License Suspended (DWLS) in the Second Degree, Harassment with Threats to Kill, Failing to Drive a Vehicle with Ignition Interlock Built-In and Driving Under the Influence.
The Garfield native appeared under the influence of alcohol and drugs at his arrest and was carrying four knives.
This was not Bunch's first incident or run-in with the Whitman County Sheriff's Office.
Bunch had stolen or attempted to steal a vehicle from the same farm located off Dry Creek Road, owned by the Sellars family. Bunch was previously convicted after trespassing on Saturday, January 7 at the farm.
Following his June 9 arrest, at approximately 8:10 p.m., officers requested an assist in conducting a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) breath test. Bunch refused, and Judge John Hart granted a search warrant to get a blood draw from Bunch.
Bunch reportedly made the process very challenging to draw blood.
Colfax Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attempted to get the blood drawn from Bunch, but we were unsuccessful.
Not too long after, Bunch was found unresponsive in his cell.
If you know anyone who is struggling with a mental health crisis, please dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Hotline.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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