Police are investigating after an inmate died at Mt Eden Corrections Facility yesterday.
Police said it was made aware at around 4pm that a man had died at the prison.
“Police are currently investigating the circumstances of the death and have positive lines of enquiry to follow.”
Corrections was also investigating, with all evidence to be provided to police.
Dion Paki, general manager at Mt Eden Corrections Facility said police had notified the man’s next of kin.
He said the prisoner was in a double-bunked cell, and his cellmate had been moved to a single cell.
“We would like to express our sincere condolences to everyone impacted at this difficult time.
“We acknowledge this will be distressing for staff and other prisoners in the unit, and we are providing people with support, including access to Chaplains and cultural support where requested.”
The man’s death has been referred to the Coroner, and an investigation by the independent Corrections Inspectorate would also be carried out.
According to the Department of Corrections, as of March 31, the facility has a total population of 1318.
It is the main reception prison for newly remanded male prisoners in the Auckland region.
