Jefferson County jail inmate dies of suicide

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is leading an ongoing investigation into Thomas G. Lorecki’s death.

PORT HADLOCK — An inmate of the Jefferson County jail died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he was transferred after attempting to commit suicide in his cell.

According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, Thomas G. Lorecki, 48, died of asphyxia due to ligature hanging and his death was ruled a suicide.

Leading investigation

Arthur Frank, the chief criminal deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff David Stanko are leading an ongoing investigation into Lorecki’s death, Frank said Wednesday.

Found early Friday

Lorecki was found just before 4:45 a.m. last Friday by a Jefferson County corrections deputy who was performing a cell check after another inmate observed Lorecki trying to harm himself, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release issued Monday.

The deputy intervened and summoned medical aid, according to the release.

Lorecki was flown to Harborview Medical Center. He died the next day, Saturday, and the Sheriff’s Office was notified of his death at roughly 3:45 p.m., according to the release.

Frank said Lorecki was alone in his cell at the time.

Lorecki had been arrested Aug. 23 for driving under the influence, burglary in the second degree and reckless endangerment, Frank said.

Frank declined to comment on whether Lorecki had shown any signs of being a danger to himself.

More in News

Foundation donates $1 million to hospital

Recipients include residency program, scholarships and cancer care center

A former teacher, Larry Jeffryes moved to Sequim with his wife in 2013. He was appointed to the Sequim School Board in September 2019, elected by voters in November of that year and was elected again in 2023. Before his resignation, Jeffryes’ term was set to go through November 2027. (Larry Jeffryes)
Sequim school board director resigns after six years in seat

District opens process to apply for position

Members of the musical group Soupbones, from left, Ed Schmid of Port Angeles, Ron Munro of Sequim, Carly List of Port Angeles and Hugh Starks of Sequim, perform at a Good Trouble community gathering and picnic on Thursday at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles. Organizers of the event, one of numerous gatherings across the United States, decided to forego conventional politics while commemorating the life of civil rights activist John Lewis. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Good trouble rally

Members of the musical group Soupbones, from left, Ed Schmid of Port… Continue reading

State funds to benefit coastal habitat

Clallam, Jefferson awarded $1.6M

Artists Heather Sparks, left, and Zeo Boekbinder set up a stencil of a fern leaf in an effort to decorate an otherwise-drab concrete roadside divider along Race Street south of Lauridsen Boulevard on Wednesday in Port Angeles. The divider work was part of a larger project to beautify the Race Street corridor from Eighth Street to Hurricane Ridge Road, which included improved traffic lanes, pedestrian and bicycle lanes and decorative lighting. Long-term plans call for similar improvements to Race Street, extending to First and Front streets. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
A touch of color

Artists Heather Sparks, left, and Zeo Boekbinder set up a stencil of… Continue reading

A tanker truck overturned into Indian Creek west of Port Angeles, according to the State Patrol and the state Department of Transportation. U.S. Highway 101 was closed Friday afternoon at milepost 238 near Herrick Road, and traffic was being diverted to state Highway 112. (Katherine Weatherwax via X)
Highway 101 closed after tanker truck overturns into creek

Port Angeles asks utility customers to conserve water

Lisa Hansen of Port Angeles, center, takes a cellphone photo of her son, Cooper Hansen, 3, as Hansen’s mother, Tracy Hansen, right, looks on during a warm day at Hollywood Beach on the Port Angeles waterfront on Wednesday. The trio were enjoying a sunny summer afternoon next to the water. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Picture perfect

Lisa Hansen of Port Angeles, center, takes a cellphone photo of her… Continue reading

Claim against First Fed alleges $100M fraud

First Fed plans to ‘vigorously defend’ loans

Olympic Medical Center CEO says Medicaid cuts will hit hard

Darryl Wolfe tells board entire state will feel impact

Joseph Wilson, left, and Kevin Streett.
Jefferson PUD names new general manager

Wilson comes with 30 years of experience

Firefighters from Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue oversee a brush fire Wednesday in the area of Baker Farm Road. (Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue)
Woman airlifted to hospital following bicycle crash

U.S. Highway 101 was closed for about 45 minutes… Continue reading