Inmate found unresponsive at Rhode Island women’s prison dies

"The matter is under active investigation, so we are very limited in what we can officially discuss. No foul play is suspected."

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE)- The Department of Corrections said Monday an inmate at the Gloria McDonald Women’s Facility died, and a corrections officer was taken to the hospital after being assaulted.

J.R. Ventura, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections said the two incidents were separate.

Correctional officers found the unresponsive inmate alone in her room. Ventura said staff immediately preformed CPR while Cranston rescue crews arrived.

“The inmate was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where she was later pronounced dead,” Ventura said in a statement. “The matter is under active investigation, so we are very limited in what we can officially discuss. No foul play is suspected.”

Ventura said a correctional officer was scratched in the face and suffered an injury to his scalp while transporting an inmate to the hospital.

“Thanks to the training and professional conduct of the officer, the inmate was promptly restrained, and the officer was treated for the injuries,” Ventura told ABC6.

“Correctional Officers have a very difficult job, and that’s the reason we make sure the training they receive is top notch; their safety is our priority. The officer returned to work after the injuries were properly treated.”