First Inmate Dies From Coronavirus Complications

SOMERS, CT — A Department of Correction (DOC) offender last housed at the Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers died Monday, becoming the first Connecticut inmate to succumb to complications from the new coronavirus, according to a written statement from the DOC.

The man, who had preexisting underlying medical conditions, was initially tested for the presence of the virus on April 6 after exhibiting symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus. He was taken to the UConn Health Center for intensive treatment of his illness on April 8, and a test result came back positive for the virus on April 9, the DOC reported.

The inmate last entered the correctional system on March 13, 2019, and was serving a two-year sentence for criminal possession of a firearm.

Although the inmate was approved last month for discretionary release into the community, an appropriate home sponsor could not be located by the offender. As a result, he would have had no place to stay upon release and remained in the facility. His maximum release date was March 12, 2021, according to the DOC.

"My sympathies go out to the offender’s family," DOC Commissioner Rollin Cook said. "One death is too many; he joins the more the approximately 600 Connecticut residents who have lost their lives to this tragic disease. We will continue to do everything possible to keep the offenders and staff safe."

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