John Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald

Contributed Article/Courtesy: GCSO

Safford – At approximately 7:53 pm on June 2, Graham County Sheriff’s Jail staff called for help, referring to an inmate who allegedly attempted suicide.
Michael Allen Rydell, 56, was found bleeding from an apparent self-inflicted laceration.

Lifeline medical personnel and Sheriff’s Department deputies arrived to assist.
I first learned that an inmate had cut himself and was bleeding profusely using a razor blade given to him for shaving.
When detention center staff tried to help Rydell, he physically resisted. Rydell was eventually taken under control and taken by Lifeline ambulance to Mount Graham Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
During the processing of the scene, there was a note inside the prisoner’s cell stating his intentions. A standard autopsy for this type of investigation is performed by the Pima County Coroner. Investigation is ongoing.