The death occurred early last Wednesday morning at the John J. Moran Medium Security Facility in Cranston, according to JR Ventura, the spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, who did not release the name of the deceased. Ventura wrote in an emailed statement that corrections officers called emergency services in Cranston, who brought the man to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Ventura says a preliminary report stated the man had an underlying medical condition that contributed to his death, but said he could not say who authored the preliminary report.
According to Ventura, this is the 6th death of an inmate in the state corrections system so far this year. The number includes 3 inmates who died by suicide within a few months of one another. It also includes Carol Pona, an inmate who died in a hospital hours after being released on house arrest. Ventura said he could not share the names of the other deceased inmates.
2023 is on track to be a higher-than-average year in terms of inmate deaths in recent memory. According to data provided by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, just two years out of the last six have seen higher death rates: 2020, which saw eight deaths — including two incarcerated people who died from COVID-19 — and 2021, which saw seven deaths of incarcerated people.
The deaths this year occurred under a new acting director, Wayne Salisbury, who began his job in January. Salisbury was appointed by Governor Dan McKee despite previously having been sued over an immigration detainee’s death, which happened while he was warden at the privately operated The Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls. The lawsuit was settled, meaning Salisbury did not assume guilt.
Ventura says the recent death is being investigated but said he could not say who is investigating.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with historical data about the number of deaths of people incarcerated in Rhode Island.
Metro reporter Olivia Ebertz can be reached at olivia@thepublicsradio.org. Follow her on Twitter @OliviaEbertz.
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