First state prison inmate dies of COVID-19

The first inmate at a Washington state correctional facility has died of COVID-19.

Officials with the Department of Corrections said Victor Bueno, 63, died Wednesday while at a local medical center where he was taken for treatment May 31.

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“The Department of Corrections is saddened by this loss,” said Corrections Secretary Stephen Sinclair. “The health and safety of the incarcerated individuals, the community and our staff remains our top priority.”

Bueno became an inmate of the correctional system Sept. 28, 2017, for a protection order violation in Kitsap County, officials said. He was housed at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell and was expected to be released mid-September of this year.

On June 11, the facility in Connell was placed on restricted movement to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus to other inmates and staff. And on Wednesday, the facility announced that all inmates and staff would be tested.

The facility in Connell reportedly has 38 confirmed coronavirus cases among staff and 91 cases among the prison population.

Officials said 17 people with symptoms are in isolation and 1,784 others without symptoms have been separated from those who are healthy.

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