Probe to examine death of inmate

A 43-YEAR-OLD man has been found dead in his cell at Townsville Correctional Centre.

On Wednesday morning, officers found the male prisoner unresponsive in his cell.

They commenced CPR and an ambulance was called, however the man could not be revived.

Queensland Corrective Services issued a statement abut the death on Wednesday afternoon.

“Queensland Police Service has been notified and Queensland Corrective Services will assist police to prepare a report for the Coroner,” a spokeswoman said.

“We extend our d e e p e s t condolences to the man’s family, friends and community.

“S u p - port is being offered to the responding officers.”

Townsville District Inspector Dean Cavanagh said police had been notified and were running the investigation.

“That is being currently investigated by police. We have a dedicated unit who have actually flown up from Brisbane to investigate that, and they generally do, that’s their role, so they’ll look at absolutely every avenue to try and find out exactly what’s occurred,” Inspector Cavanagh said.

“But I can tell you at this stage it’s been deemed nonsuspicious, and we will be furthering the investigation and completing a report for the coroner.”

The man’s death is the third at the facility in the last eight months.

In March, a 57-year-old inmate was found unresponsive in his cell and could not be revived. In December last year, Selesa Darcy, 44, died in Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre after guards confronted her about stashing medication. A prison source told the Bulletin at the time guards allegedly used force on Ms Darcy when she resisted, immediately before she “went to the ground” and stopped moving.