Stillwater prison inmate dies less than 2 weeks after testing positive for COVID-19

A 61-year-old inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater died Sunday morning.

According to the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), the man died at 11:06 a.m. after testing positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 20. On Saturday, the man, who had an extensive medical history, was taken to a hospital where he was evaluated and discharged.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the manner and cause of death.

The man’s name is being withheld pending notification of family members.

DOC said it’s the third COVID-related death of an incarcerated person at Minnesota state correctional facilities since the pandemic began.

Stillwater prison on lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak

"We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of this man," said DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell. "Since the beginning of this pandemic we’ve worked to take all reasonable steps to minimize the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in the state’s correctional facilities for the well-being of those we serve and our staff."

Of the 1,278 men incarcerated at the Stillwater facility, more than 750 have tested positive for COVID-19, so far, with most experiencing no symptoms, according to DOC. More than 150 Stillwater prison staff have also tested positive for COVID-19.

The facility went on medical lockdown last month due to a COVID-19 outbreak and remained in the lockdown as of Wednesday. DOC said the Stillwater facility didn’t have its first confirmed COVID-19 case until September and officials have worked to reduce spread since that time.