22-year-old inmate dies in cell at Stillwater Prison; investigation ongoing

Officials with the Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating after a 22-year-old inmate was found unconscious in his cell early Saturday and died at the scene.

Correctional officers at the Stillwater prison found the man around 3:30 a.m. and attempted to save his life. The man, whose name was not released, died about 20 minutes later, a statement from correctional officials said.

Although the cause of death is not immediately known, preliminary information suggests that the victim may have consumed synthetic drugs, the statement said.

There is no suspicion of third-party negligence, the statement continued.

“On behalf of the Minnesota Department of Corrections, I would like to express my condolences to the young man’s family,” said Commissioner Paul Schnell. “If this death is determined to be drug-related, we will make every effort to determine who imported and supplied the substance in order to pursue prosecution to the fullest extent possible under the law.”

Minnesota and prisons across the country are grappling with problems related to synthetic controlled substances. Often, the drugs are mixed in paper that comes into the facilities through the mail. As a result of Saturday’s incident, staff at the Stillwater prison will photocopy all incoming letters except legal mail due to attorney-client privilege, the Department of Corrections said.

The ward where the man died is in “lockdown status” until further notice, the statement said.