SCI Benner Township reports inmate death

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (WJAC) — An inmate at State Correctional Institute Benner Township was found unresponsive in his cell Wednesday and later pronounced dead, according to officials.

Superintendent Robert Marsh reported that 23-year-old Derric Harsh was found just before midnight and prison staff responded immediately, providing lifesaving measures.

Harsh was transferred to Mt. Nittany Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:08 a.m., according to officials.

The official cause of death will be determined by the Centre County Coroner’s Office.

Harsh was serving eight to 16 years for rape out of Lancaster County and had been housed at Benner Township since Feb. 2, 2017, officials say.

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