Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on October 3, 2026, at approximately 6:55 a.m., Linn County Jail deputies were conducting hourly cell checks during morning breakfast service when they located adult in custody Bobbie Jo Allen, 61, of Albany, unresponsive in her cell and experiencing an apparent medical emergency.
Deputies immediately began lifesaving measures and requested emergency medical assistance. Albany Fire Department personnel responded and continued CPR and other lifesaving efforts. Despite these efforts, Allen was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Allen had been in the custody of the Linn County Jail since October 1, 2026, and was being held on multiple failure-to-appear warrants. Prior to being admitted to jail, she had been medically checked by a local hospital due to having visible injuries unrelated to her arrest.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Allen’s death. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office is also assisting with the investigation.