Three inmates lost their lives and many others were injured during a violent altercation at Ely State Prison in Nevada. The incident led to the prison being put on lockdown to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. The Nevada Department of Corrections reported that nine inmates had to be taken for medical treatment, while thankfully no officers were harmed during the fight.
As per the department’s policy, the names of the deceased inmates have not been disclosed at this time. An active investigation is underway in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies at the state and local levels to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic event. The public will be informed of the general details surrounding the deaths once the next of kin have been notified.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time such violence has occurred at Ely State Prison. Earlier this year, two other inmates lost their lives within the facility, with no specific details provided regarding the causes of death. Incidents of deadly fights have been reported in Nevada’s state prisons in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenges within the correctional system.
One inmate, Andrew Thurgood, had expressed concerns to his fiancee in 2019 about potential harm coming his way, which sadly turned into reality later that day when he was brutally attacked. Similar incidents, such as the stabbing death of Tyrek Settles in 2022 and Michael Rumble in 2023, have also raised alarms about the safety and security measures in place at Ely State Prison.
The wave of violence within the Nevada Department of Corrections facilities has led to increased scrutiny and calls for reform. With 18 inmate deaths reported this year alone, concerns about the welfare of those in state prisons have been mounting. Governor Joe Lombardo’s office and the Office of Attorney General Aaron Ford are both aware of the situation but have refrained from providing detailed comments, citing ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies.
The tragic events at Ely State Prison serve as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced within the prison system. Addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such violence is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff members. As the investigations continue, the hope is that meaningful reforms will be implemented to prevent further loss of life in Nevada’s correctional facilities.
