73-year-old inmate at Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility dies after recently testing positive for COVID-19

The Minnesota Department of Corrections said on Monday that a 73-year-old incarcerated man recently died after testing positive for COVID-19.

The man is reported to have died at the University of Minnesota Medical Center after being transported from the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights on Sunday. The man recently tested positive for the virus while receiving medical care for terminal cancer. It is not known where he contracted COVID-19.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones and friends 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,” he added.

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“Just like in our communities, this is a very difficult time for those incarcerated in our facilities, and for our staff who are working to keep them safe.”

The man’s identity is being withheld pending full notification of next of kin.

This is the fourth COVID-related death of an incarcerated person in the Minnesota DOC system since the pandemic began. Two other incarcerated people are currently receiving ventilator treatment at outside hospitals.