Woman Dies After Being Found Unresponsive in Detention Facility

Published on August 27, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. – Abonesh Woldegeorges, 73, died on August 27, 2023, after she was found unresponsive in her cell at the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Deputies found Ms. Woldegeorges unresponsive in her cell at approximately 7:02 a.m. and began immediate resuscitation efforts before Arlington Fire & Rescue units arrived on scene at 7:10 a.m. Ms. Woldegeorges was transported to Virginia Hospital Center and subsequently pronounced deceased. 

Ms. Woldegeorges was arrested and charged with Trespassing by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on August 13, 2023, and was being held at the Arlington County Detention Center awaiting transport to Loudoun County, Virginia for a Failure to Appear charge in relation to a prior Trespassing incident with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. 

Ms. Woldegeorges’ family was notified of her passing. Our condolences go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

The Arlington County Police Department is conducting a death investigation and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).