Mat-Su Pretrial inmate dies after suffering medical emergency

An unsentenced inmate was pronounced dead Thursday after he suffered a medical emergency in his cell at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility in Palmer, according to the Alaska Department of Corrections.

Gregory Rendon-Duarte, 39, was found unresponsive by correctional officers, and medical staff began lifesaving measures before the arrival of emergency medical personnel. Rendon-Duarte was pronounced dead just before 8 a.m. Thursday, a statement from the department said.

Rendon-Duarte is the fifth inmate to die in the department’s custody this year.

Officials said they do not suspect foul play and the death is not related to COVID-19.