Columbus man found dead in Bibb County Jail identified, coroner says

The identity of a man found dead in the Bibb County Jail was released Monday, according to the Bibb County Coroner’s Office.

Willie Edward Drake, a 51-year-old Columbus man, was found “unconscious” and pronounced dead in his cell Friday night, Coroner Leon Jones said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was expected perform an autopsy of Drake’s body Monday morning to determine what caused his death, according to Jones.

Drake was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing and violating probation on March 31, according to Sgt. Christopher Williams, a public information officer of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

Drake’s family was notified of his death by 11 a.m. Monday, according to Jones.

Deputies said the sheriff’s office’s internal affairs investigators of professional standards was investigating Drake’s death.

This story may be updated as more information becomes available.

This story was originally published December 22, 2025 at 11:31 AM with the headline "Columbus man found dead in Bibb County Jail identified, coroner says."