The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office says it has begun an investigation after an inmate committed suicide in the county jail Saturday morning.

Dead is Dion Lee Edward Broersma, 38, of Lewis Center.

At 3:30 a.m. Saturday, a corrections officer was making an hourly inmate check and discovered Broersma had hanged himself in his cell. Following department protocol, the officer immediately attempted lifesaving efforts but was unsuccessful, officials said.

Broersma’s family was notified of his death by the sheriff’s office’s chaplain at 6 a.m. Saturday.

“We are saddened for the family in the loss of their loved one,” said Sheriff Russell Martin. “For some, serving time in jail is an insurmountable reality. We are committed to the ongoing safety of all inmates and staff. As always, with every critical incident, we will diligently review our efforts to help minimize these types of tragedies.”

Detectives are conducting an investigation of the death, according to department policy, officials said.

Broersma was booked into the county jail last Thursday, Nov. 26, about 4 p.m. after he was arrested and charged with domestic violence and felonious assault, deputies said.

Deputies had begun an investigation at a Lewis Center home Thursday morning after receiving a call about a domestic dispute at 7:30 a.m. Hours later, after gathering statements and speaking to witnesses, deputies located and arrested Broersma.