Man Dies in Custody at Mt Eden Prison, Police and Coroner Alerted

An inmate has died at Mt Eden Corrections Facility in Auckland, prompting an immediate response from prison staff, police, and the coroner. According to Corrections, staff made every effort to revive the man after finding him unresponsive in his cell. His next of kin have been notified, and the death has been referred to the coroner for investigation, as is standard practice for all deaths in custody.

The prison’s general manager, Dion Paki, confirmed the man was not in a double-bunked cell at the time of his death. He emphasized that Corrections is providing support to other inmates and staff, including access to chaplains and cultural services where requested. The Corrections Inspectorate will too conduct an independent investigation into the incident.

This death comes amid ongoing scrutiny of safety conditions at Mt Eden Prison. Last month, Corrections custodial services commissioner Leigh Marsh stated that staff found to be negligent in custody deaths would be “held to account,” referencing the June 2025 death of Whangārei man Rob Fitzpatrick, who was allegedly beaten to death by his cellmate. Marsh noted that while no employment investigations are currently underway, this could change pending further information from ongoing reviews and coronial inquests.

Authorities have stressed that the coroner will determine the cause of death, and police have been notified as part of standard procedure. Paki expressed condolences to the man’s family and those close to him, affirming Corrections’ commitment to transparency and accountability.

As investigations proceed, both the coroner and the Corrections Inspectorate will examine the circumstances surrounding the death, with findings to be shared with the family once reviews are complete.