Probes after prison guard dies during fitness test
And
Multiple investigations are under way after a veteran prison guard died during a mandatory fitness test.
Corrections officer Danny Bond collapsed while undertaking the physical readiness assessment (PRA) at Christchurch Men’s Prison on Wednesday. The 61-year-old’s colleagues called an ambulance and began CPR, but were unable to resuscitate him.
An email sent to Corrections staff on Wednesday afternoon confirmed the ‘‘tragic event’’ at the prison. ‘‘Danny died after
suffering what appears to be a medical event during his PRA test,’’ the email from southern deputy regional commissioner Justin Rowlands says.
‘‘As a precaution, the chief custody officer has asked that all PRA sessions planned for the immediate future are postponed and no PRAs are to proceed until
we are advised otherwise.’’
Yesterday, chief custodial officer Neil Beales said fitness tests across the country had been suspended in the wake of Bond’s death.
‘‘This decision reflects the unknown nature of how the death occurred, and gives time for Corrections to look into the processes and protocols the PRA.’’
WorkSafe had been notified of Bond’s death and Corrections would complete an internal review, Beales said. The coroner may also investigate. ‘‘If there are any factors that require attention, Corrections will take action immediately to address these.’’
Sources have told Stuff Bond was concerned about having to do the PRA because of recent medical issues. A woman at his home declined to comment yesterday.
A person who contacted Stuff with concerns about what happened said Bond’s death was ‘‘a loss to a lot of people’’.
‘‘He was a good guy. It’s absolutely shocking.’’ surrounding