An inmate has died in a mental health unit in Mt Eden Prison in central Auckland on Tuesday morning.
Stuff understands that the police were called to the pre-trial detention a few hours before noon on Tuesday.
Prison director Dennis Goodin said the man died in the Intervention and Support Unit (ISU) around 10 a.m.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends. Other men in the unit and staff are receiving support.”
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All deaths in custody were referred to the coroner, and the Corrections Inspectorate would also undertake an internal review and investigation, he said. ISUs are for inmates with high mental health needs.
“Since the man’s death remains the subject of an ongoing investigation and the coroner has yet to determine the cause, and due to our legislative obligations under the Privacy Act of 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code, we are limited in the amount of detail we can. To provide.”
Stuff
A cell in the management unit at Mt Eden Prison. (file photo)
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A police spokeswoman said officers responded to a report of a sudden death at the prison at 9:40 am.
“Consultations are currently ongoing and we have no further comment at this early stage,” he said.
“Any additional queries are best referred to Corrections.”
The Department of Corrections has been contacted for comment.
