Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate who was found unresponsive inside his cell at the El Dorado Correctional Facility in Kansas.
According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, 38-year-old Joshua Matthews died on Friday after staff discovered him unresponsive.
Prison staff immediately began life-saving efforts and continued those measures after emergency medical services arrived at the facility.
Despite those efforts, officials said Matthews could not be revived.
Life-Saving Measures Were Unsuccessful
The Kansas Department of Corrections said staff responded quickly after Matthews was found in his cell. Emergency medical services were called to the scene, and medical care was continued once they arrived.
Officials have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to his death. The cause and manner of death have not yet been publicly confirmed.
Deaths inside correctional facilities are typically reviewed through a formal process to determine what happened, whether medical issues were involved, and whether any additional factors require investigation.
State Investigation To Be Overseen By KBI
Per standard protocol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation will oversee the investigation into Matthews’ death.
The involvement of an outside investigative agency is common in cases involving deaths in custody. This helps ensure the circumstances are reviewed independently and thoroughly.
At this stage, officials have not indicated whether foul play is suspected. Investigators are expected to examine the timeline of events, staff response, medical records, and any other relevant information connected to the case.
Background On Joshua Matthews
According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, Joshua Matthews was serving a sentence of more than 20 years.
Officials said his sentence was connected to three counts of battery against corrections employees in Douglas County. No further details about those cases were included in the initial update.
The department identified Matthews as a resident of the El Dorado Correctional Facility at the time of his death.
About The Correctional Facility
El Dorado Correctional Facility is one of the largest prisons in Kansas. It houses adult male residents and has a capacity of about 1,900 people.
The facility is considered the second-largest correctional facility in the state. Because of its size and role in the state prison system, incidents involving medical emergencies or deaths are subject to formal reporting and review.
Questions Remain As Investigation Continues
Officials have not yet provided information about whether Matthews had known medical issues or whether there were any signs of distress before he was found unresponsive.
The investigation will likely seek to determine when he was last seen responsive, how quickly staff responded, what medical steps were taken, and whether any facility procedures require further review.
Additional details may be released as investigators complete their work.
The death of 38-year-old Joshua Matthews at El Dorado Correctional Facility remains under investigation after he was found unresponsive in his cell on Friday. Staff and emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but they were unsuccessful.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will oversee the case as part of standard protocol, while officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.