Washington State Penitentiary inmate dies due to COVID-19 complications

A Washington State Penitentiary inmate who was being treated for COVID-19 at a medical facility died due to COVID-19 complications, according to a report from KHQ News.

Michael Cornethan, 62, died Saturday. He was serving a life sentence without parole after being convicted of aggravated murder in 1983 in King County.

Cornethan’s death makes the third COVID-19-related death of an inmate.

“The Department of Corrections is sad to announce its third COVID-19 related incarcerated death,” said Corrections Secretary Stephen Sinclair. “The health and safety of the incarcerated individuals under our jurisdiction, our staff and the community remains our top priority.”

The two other deaths were in June.

Currently, the penitentiary is under quarantine to curb the exposure of the virus.

In August, prisoners began undergoing testing.

Right now, the penitentiary has 38 COVID-19 cases among staff and 110 cases among the prison population.

There are 117 people who have symptoms and are in isolation.

Nearly 560 people are being quarantined because they were exposed. They do not have symptoms and have been separated from those who are healthy.

Cox Media Group