HARTFORD, Conn. — Department of Corrections officials said an inmate in their system has died after exhibiting symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus.
Officials said he first showed symptoms on April 6. He was taken to the UConn Health Center for intensive treatment of his illness on April 8. The test result came back positive for the virus on April 9.
They said the offender, who had preexisting underlying medical conditions, succumbed to his illness Monday.
The inmate entered correctional system on March 13, 2019, and was serving a two-year sentence for Criminal Possession of a Firearm.
"Although the offender was approved, last month, for discretionary release into the community, an appropriate home sponsor could not be located by the offender. As a result, the offender would have had no place to stay upon release and remained in the facility.
He was expected to be released March 12, 2021.
“My sympathies go out to the offender’s family,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Rollin Cook. “One death is too many, he joins the more the approximately 600 Connecticut residents who have lost their lives to this tragic disease. We will continue to do everything possible to keep the offenders and staff safe.”