News Summary
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the death of 25-year-old inmate Morgan Daniel Kannaday at the Lexington County Detention Center. Kannaday, who faced multiple charges, was in custody since June 29, 2025. Following a medical emergency, he was transferred to Lexington Medical Center where he later died. SLED is examining the circumstances of his death as part of their routine protocol for inmate fatalities in custody, ensuring accountability within the correctional system.
Lexington, South Carolina – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently investigating the death of 25-year-old inmate Morgan Daniel Kannaday at the Lexington County Detention Center. The inmate, who was from Gaston, South Carolina, was confirmed deceased by Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.
Morgan Kannaday had been in custody since June 29, 2025, following his arrest by state troopers. At the time of his arrest, he was facing multiple charges, including traffic offenses, DUI (driving under the influence), and drug-related charges. Since his incarceration, he was held at the Lexington County jail without incident until his recent medical emergency.
On July 11, 2025, Kannaday was transported to the Lexington Medical Center for medical treatment prior to his death. However, specific details regarding the cause of death have not been disclosed at this time. Sheriff Jay Koon stated that SLED’s investigation is part of standard procedures whenever an inmate dies in custody.
SLED is tasked with routinely investigating inmate deaths across county jails in South Carolina to ensure the circumstances surrounding these incidents are thoroughly examined. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover any factors that may have contributed to Kannaday’s untimely death, maintaining transparency and accountability within the correctional system.
Details Surrounding the Arrest and Incarceration
Morgan Daniel Kannaday was arrested for several offenses, which included driving violations and substance-related charges. Following his arrest, he was placed in the Lexington County Detention Center, where he remained until the medical incident that led to his hospitalization.
The time that lapsed between his arrest and the medical emergency raises questions, particularly regarding the medical care provided to inmates. The sheriff’s office, in conjunction with SLED, will be assessing the circumstances that led to this situation, focusing on whether appropriate medical care was administered during his time at the detention center.
Background on SLED Investigations
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division plays a crucial role in monitoring the operations of county jails, particularly concerning the health and welfare of inmates. SLED’s involvement in investigating inmate deaths is a precautionary measure designed to uphold justice and public trust in the correctional system.
In the state of South Carolina, any death occurring within a county jail must be reported and investigated by SLED, ensuring that procedures are followed and that everyone involved can provide accurate accounts of the incidents. This protocol is essential for maintaining standards of safety for inmates and accountability for any potential negligence.
As the investigation develops, more information may become available regarding the circumstances surrounding Morgan Kannaday’s death, as well as the final conclusions drawn by SLED. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring health standards and medical responses within correctional facilities.
Community members and stakeholders await further updates from law enforcement officials regarding the investigation and any resulting procedures or changes that may be implemented within the Lexington County Detention Center based on their findings.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Death in Custody in the United States
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: Lexington County Detention Center inmate death
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Inmate
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
