Death Of Bel Air Man Serving DWI Sentence Under Investigation, Sheriff Says

BEL AIR, MD — A Bel Air man who was serving an 18-month sentence for driving under the influence has died following multiple trips to the emergency room for cardiac issues in the last two weeks, authorities said.

George Kenney, 69, of Bel Air, died Saturday while he was hospitalized following his second cardiac emergency, the Harford County Sheriff's Office said.

His death is being investigated as an in-custody death, authorities said. It is the first such death of 2025 at the Harford County Detention Center, authorities said.

Kenney began serving his sentence for the Aug. 11, 2025, DWI charge on Nov. 1, and on Dec. 16 suffered a cardiac event while he was housed with other inmates, authorities said. Fellow inmates immediately alerted correctional facility deputies, who responded with medical staff and began lifesaving efforts, including CPR, on Kenney, authorities said.

Deputies were able to reestablish a pulse and Kenney was taken to a local hospital while EMTs from the Harford County Department of Emergency Services continued care and lifesaving efforts, authorities said.

Kenney was released from the hospital on Dec. 20 and taken back to the detention center, where 5-1/2 hours after his return he had another cardiac emergency.

Lifesaving care was provided by deputies and medical staff again, and he was alert and conscious when medics took him back to the hospital, authorities said. While Kenney was hospitalized, he suffered a third cardiac medical emergency, and died on Saturday, authorities said.

Detectives from the sheriff's office Criminal Investigations Division and investigators from the Forensic Services Unit are investigating Kenney's death because he was still in custody of the detention center while he was in the hospital, authorities said.

The preliminary investigation indicates Kenney’s death was a result of natural causes, officials said.

"Individuals in our custody are often among the most medically compromised members of our community, and we take seriously our responsibility to safeguard their well-being," Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler said. "In this case, our correctional deputies and contracted medical staff acted quickly and professionally during multiple medical emergencies at the detention center, doing everything they could to save Mr. Kenney’s life. Ultimately, Mr. Kenney’s medical condition was not survivable."

"I am proud of their efforts and their commitment to the safety and care of every person entrusted to our custody," Gahler said.