BURGAW — An inmate at Pender Correctional Institution has died after testing positive for Covid-19.
According to N.C. Department of Public Safety spokesperson John Bull, the inmate had pre-existing medical conditions and tested positive for the virus on September 22.
“His condition worsened and he died on October 1,” Bull said.
The inmate was in his early-60s, according to Bull. The department declined to give any further identifying information citing his family’s right to privacy and the confidentiality of prison inmate records.
“His death is saddening, and we are working hard to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our prisons,” Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee said. “The health and safety of the staff and the offender population is our top priority.”
The prison is located about a half-mile from Burgaw’s main town square.
