Itasca County sheriff IDs woman who died while in jail custody

GRAND RAPIDS — Itasca County Sheriff Joe Dasovich confirmed Monday, Aug. 31, the identity of a woman who died in jail custody on Friday.

Deidre Lynn Mason of Coon Rapids was 54 years old.

Mason was found unresponsive around 2 a.m. early Friday morning, according to the sheriff's office. She was pronounced dead following emergency medical aid.

Mason was booked into Itasca County Jail on Aug. 18, following a probation violation related to a June 2025 drug conviction, according to court documents.

She was sentenced to 90 days in jail for the violation on Aug. 26.

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The sheriff's office stated Mason's death "appeared to be the result of natural causes" in a Friday news release.

In a GoFundMe post fundraising for funeral and investigation costs, Mason's daughter expressed concern that her mother did not receive timely and adequate care before her death.

"My mom died alone in jail, and I believe medical negligence played a role in what happened," Mason's daughter, Heidi Shropshire, stated in the post. "I am heartbroken, grieving, and searching for answers while also trying to make sure my mom is laid to rest with dignity and care.”

Dasovich said some inmates arrive in jail already in poor health. He added inmates have access to medical resources twice per day and constant communication.

"Every single inmate has access to contact 100% of the time," he said.

Dasovich said an official cause of death will likely be released in the next few days.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is conducting the inquiry into Mason’s death.