An inmate at the Van Zandt County Detention Center, Andrew Mark “Tubby” Harris, 46, of Grand Saline, Texas, passed away on May 12, 2025, after experiencing a medical emergency while working outside the jail.
Harris was serving as a "trustee" with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, which allowed him to work with a VZC Precinct 3 Road repair crew. While on duty, Harris suffered a medical emergency. Other workers, responding deputies, and emergency personnel immediately administered CPR and other life-saving measures. Harris was then transported to the Christus Medical Center in Canton, where he later died.
In a commitment to transparency, Van Zandt County Sheriff Joe Bridger has requested the assistance of the Texas Rangers to investigate Harris' death. The investigation is ongoing, and the cause of death has not yet been released.
Sheriff Bridger stated, “We take the safety of our inmates very seriously, we are certain Mr. Harris will be missed greatly by his friends and family. We pray for comfort for all his loved ones.” Harris had volunteered to work outside the facility as a trustee.
