An inmate died this morning after testing positive for COVID-19 at Alexander Correctional Institution.
Officials say the inmate was a 68-year-old man who had underlying health conditions.
“Losing a loved one during a holiday season is always difficult and we sympathize with the family,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. “We continue working hard to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our prisons because the health and safety of the staff and the offender population continues to be our top priority.”
The inmate tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 17. He was hospitalized on Dec. 16 for COVID-related symptoms and remained in medical isolation receiving treatment.
He was found unresponsive Thursday morning, Dec. 24. and was pronounced dead around 7 a.m.
Given his family’s right to privacy and the confidentiality of prison offender records, the Department of Public Safety will not further identify the inmate.