SCI Pine Grove reports first COVID-19 inmate death

INDIANA, Pa (WJAC) — According to a release from the Department of Corrections, SCI Pine Grove officials have reported the facility's first COVID-19 inmate death.

Authorities say the inmate, who will not be named, was a 38-year-old male who died at a local hospital.

Prison officials say the inmate had been at the Indiana County facility since January 2019 and was serving a 1-and-a-half to five year sentence for receiving stolen property.

“We continue our battle against this dangerous invisible enemy,” Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said. “With fall upon us, we are experiencing a resurgence. That is why it is vital to continue our aggressive mitigation efforts. We cannot let our guard down.”

SCI Pine Grove is currently reporting 10 active COVID-19 cases among inmates, and eight amongst staff.

“We are experiencing the same thing that our counties are experiencing, and we are following very strict procedures to mitigate the virus’ impact on our state prisons,” Wetzel said. “I’ve directed our staff to act aggressively and quickly when inmates report influenza-like illnesses, and that includes isolating and quarantining inmates, locking down units or entire prisons as needed, conducting regular cleanings and even 72-hour deep cleanings in order to protect staff and inmates.”

This is the second inmate death, due to COVID-19, reported in as many days.

On Friday, prison officials with SCI Smithfield reported their first COVID inmate death, a 77-year-old man with underlying medical issues.

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