Rhode Island Inmate Dies From Coronavirus: Dept. Of Corrections

CRANSTON, RI — A Rhode Island inmate died of complications from the coronavirus over the weekend, the state Department of Corrections said. The 66-year-old man had other conditions that likely contributed to his death, officials said.

The inmate's name was not released for privacy reasons. He died at Rhode Island Hospital.

The man was serving a life sentence without parole at the Adult Corrections Institute's maximum security facility. His sentence began in 1988 after he was convicted of sexual assault that led to the death of a 73-year-old woman who was a double amputee.

The maximum security facility had the largest spike of coronavirus cases of the state's prisons last month; more than 600 cases were reported. Cases have since started to decline, officials said.

"It is clear that we must continue our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19," corrections department Director Patricia Coyne-Fague said in a statement. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our medical and security staff, we have not experienced the heartbreaking losses that other DOCs across the country have. However, this is a strong reminder as to why we must continue to wear our masks, get vaccinated, and follow our health safety protocols to keep everyone as safe as possible."

The inmate's death came a week after the department announced the death of a women's facility correctional officer, Lt. Russell Freeman. Freeman's funeral will be held Monday.

Rhode Island's inmates and prison staff are scheduled to receive the coronavirus vaccine in the second phase of the state's vaccine distribution plan, which includes K-12 teachers and staff, child care workers and all older adults.

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