DEVILS LAKE, NORTH DAKOTA (trfnews.i234.me) — Another inmate connected to the Lake Region Correctional Facility has died following a medical emergency.
The death marks the third reported inmate fatality involving the Devils Lake facility in 2026.
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is investigating the incident.
The latest death comes after two earlier inmate suicides and growing concerns about safety inside the jail.
Inmate Dies After Medical Emergency
According to facility officials, jail staff learned of a medical emergency around 12:48 p.m. Monday, November 2.
The emergency involved an incarcerated individual housed at the Lake Region Correctional Facility.
Correctional employees immediately began emergency medical procedures while waiting for ambulance personnel.
The inmate was transported to Altru Hospital for additional treatment.
Despite efforts by medical personnel, the individual later died at the hospital.
Authorities have not publicly identified the deceased inmate.
Officials also have not disclosed the person’s medical condition or cause of death.
BCI Investigating Third Inmate Death in 2026
North Dakota BCI investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the medical emergency and subsequent death.
Officials have not announced whether any criminal activity is suspected.
The medical examiner’s findings and further investigative details have not been publicly released.
Facility officials say they are cooperating with investigators.
The latest incident follows two other inmate deaths reported at the facility earlier this year.
Two Previous Inmate Deaths Reported This Year
On January 27, 2026, a 67-year-old inmate died after an apparent suicide at the facility.
Another inmate discovered the man unresponsive in a jail shower area.
Correctional staff attempted lifesaving measures, but the inmate was pronounced dead.
Family members later identified the man as Brian Sailor.
On May 6, 2026, a 46-year-old male inmate also died following an apparent suicide attempt.
Authorities said the man was discovered unresponsive inside the correctional facility.
Emergency medical efforts were unsuccessful.
The North Dakota BCI was also involved in investigating those incidents.
The cause of the November death remains unknown. Authorities have not connected it to suicide.
Correctional Officer Also Died Earlier This Year
The facility also experienced the death of a correctional officer earlier in 2026.
Justin Smith, 38, died by suicide on January 31 at a local motel.
Smith had worked at the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center since 2017.
His death was separate from the deaths involving incarcerated individuals.
Families Have Raised Concerns About Jail Safety
Previous deaths have prompted relatives to demand stronger safety measures at the correctional facility.
Cassandra McDonald died in November 2023 following a suicide attempt while incarcerated at the jail.
Her family filed a federal lawsuit in October 2025, alleging failures involving mental health care and inmate supervision.
Defendants denied wrongdoing in court filings submitted in February 2026.
Family members have continued raising concerns about inmate welfare and preventing future deaths.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not announced when additional information about the latest death will become available.
The medical emergency began at the correctional facility, but the inmate died after being transported to the hospital.
The circumstances remain under investigation.
For more information, read the Devils Lake Journal’s report.
Additional information about the investigating agency is available through the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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