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SALT LAKE CITY — A second incarcerated individual at the Utah State Prison who previously tested positive for COVID-19 has died, the Utah Department of Corrections announced on Thursday. The inmate was 70 years old.
According to officials, the man was hospitalized at the time of his death on Nov. 11. A statement posted on the Department of Corrections Facebook page says "Before being hospitalized, the incarcerated individual was housed and receiving treatment at the Oquirrh 5 facility where he tested positive for COVID-19 on November 4."
"The inmate did have several complicating comorbidities that may have contributed to his death," the statement continues "The family of the incarcerated individual has been notified. The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner."
As of Thursday, there were 655 active cases across the Utah prison system, officials said. "Both (the Utah State Prison) and (the Central Utah Correctional Facility) are operating on a modified lockdown, meaning that out-of-cell time may be greatly limited in areas most impacted by the outbreaks."
Prison officials said they are "collaborating closely with state and local health officials on movement and testing, which includes separating negative cases from positive cases."
Further details, including the identity of the man, were not released.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story said the inmate died from COVID-19. While he tested positive for the disease, his exact cause of death is yet to be determined. The story has been updated to reflect that information.
