Steven O. Ray Identified as Second Inmate to Die at Thurston County Jail in September 2025 | Olympia, WA

In Olympia, Washington, the Thurston County Coroner’s Office has officially identified 53-year-old Steven O. Ray as the second inmate to die at the Thurston County Jail in September 2025. Ray was pronounced dead on September 14 after emergency responders were called to the facility around 12:30 p.m. due to a reported medical crisis. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by correctional staff, medical personnel, and medics, Ray was declared deceased during transport.

The incident follows the earlier death of 65-year-old Earl Alexander II on September 7, marking the second fatality at the jail within a single week. Toxicology results for both individuals are pending, and an independent investigation has been initiated by the Region 3 Critical Incident Investigation Team, led by the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office. The coroner’s office has released Ray’s identity due to unsuccessful attempts to locate his family and is requesting that anyone with information contact their office.