Hampton Roads Regional Jail Officer Dead After COVID-19 Battle

A Virginia jail officer has reportedly died after contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak at Hampton Roads Regional Jail.

Master Jail Officer Robert Charles Sunukjian, 48, died on September 24, WAVY.com reported on Sunday. Hampton Roads Regional Jail superintendent, Col. Chris Walz, confirmed the death of an officer last month, but did not identify him or say what the cause of death was initially at the time of Sunukjian's death, citing medical privacy laws, the Virginian-Pilot reports.

The Pilot independently confirmed Sunukjian's name and later received confirmation from Walz, who referred to the master jail officer as a "valued and dedicated" employee of more than 16 years at the facility.

“Over his career he has worked various assignments throughout the facility. We are grateful for his years of (service) and he will be sorely missed,” Walz wrote to the Pilot. “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.”

Hampton Roads Regional Jail reported a total of 143 positive COVID-19 tests, which included 138 inmates, four staff members and one contact worker in September, according to data on the jail's website via the Pilot. Walz told the Pilot anyone entering the facility had their temperature taken and prohibited individuals with a high temperature, cough or difficulty breathing from entering.

Inmates and staff are also required to wear facial coverings, Walz confirmed to the Pilot. New inmates are screened, have their temperatures taken and placed into quarantine for a mandatory minimum of 14 days before incarceration.

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