NATCHEZ — A Natchez attorney visiting a client at the Adams County Jail collapsed Tuesday afternoon and was later pronounced dead.

Sheriff Ronny Brown said it was believed at the time that David Read, 55, had a heart attack.

“He was talking to everybody when he came in,” Brown said. “Then, he just sat on the floor.”

Brown said Read had a heart beat when the ambulance arrived, at approximately 3 p.m., but was pronounced dead at Natchez Regional Medical Center.

Sheriff’s deputies and jailers performed CPR at the scene, Brown said. Brown rode in the ambulance with Read.

Read had his own law office on Commerce Street. Brown said Read served as a court appointed attorney and was frequently at the jail.

“He’s a real good guy,” Brown said. “He was doing his job.”