Inquiry into inmate's death

George Massingham

An investigation has been launched following the death of a prisoner at Hawke's Bay Regional Prison this week.

Prison manager George Massingham said an inmate was found unresponsive in his cell on Tuesday. "Staff immediately requested medical assistance, however, he was unable to be resuscitated," he said.

"Next of kin have been informed and the matter has been referred to the Coroner. Police have also been advised."

Police have confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

"I would like to pass on our condolences to the prisoner's friends and family," Mr Massingham said.

All deaths while in custody are investigated by the Corrections Inspectorate, which is overseen by the Ombudsman.

At the conclusion of the investigation the inspectorate will provide a report to the Coroner, along with any other evidence that may be sought.

The Corrections Department declined to comment further about the death until the Coroner's findings were released.

The last death in custody at Hawke's Bay Regional Prison was on July 22, 2011 when a 54-year-old Hawke's Bay man died while being transported in a Corrections Department van.

William (Bill) Eric Nevard died while being transferred from the prison to a medium-security forensic psychiatric unit in Wellington.