The Alaska Department of Corrections reports that on October 8, 2021, 68-year-old John Andrew was pronounced dead at Central Peninsula Hospital at 7:03 p.m. The DOC reports that this is a COVID-19 related death. In addition, this death is the ninth in Department of Corrections custody this year. Next of kin have been notified. No foul play is suspected.
Betsy Holley, a spokesperson for the department told the Associated Press that Andrew was being held at Wildwood Correctional Center in Kenai before his death. The AP also reports that the facility is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, with about 187 inmates having tested positive. Holley reports that the department doesn’t track positive cases among staff.
Andrew has been in DOC custody since September 30, 2011 when he was a sentenced inmate convicted of 2nd degree Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Every prisoner death is reviewed by the Alaska State Troopers and the Medical Examiner’s Office. Department records are generally not subject to release because they contain confidential medical, security and personnel information.
As of September 23rd, due to widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the community, the Alaska Department of Corrections is suspending all in-person visitation. They aim to protect the health and safety of both the public and inmates.
Since the coronavirus pandemic, there have been 6 COVID-related deaths in DOC facilities. Of the 424 inmates currently at Wildwood Correctional Center, 223 inmates are fully vaccinated.