OBSERVER File photo by Natasha Matteliano The Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility.

BROCTON — The death of an inmate in the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility is being investigated by the state Department of Corrections.

In a release to the OBSERVER, the department noted: “While it is standard protocol to not comment on an ongoing investigation, the Department is providing additional facts on the death of Jamel McIntosh given the abundance of misinformation in circulation.”

McIntosh was assigned to the facility’s Intensive Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment program. The department noted that on Monday, a correction officer on rounds observed McIntosh unresponsive on the shower floor in his cell. Staff immediately unlocked his cell and entered to check his condition. Facility medical staff were summoned and began emergency response efforts.

Outside emergency medical services were also called. He was transported by ambulance to Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, where he was pronounced dead.

While the official cause of death will be determined and released by the Chautauqua County Medical Examiner’s Office pursuant to county law, the preliminary autopsy results indicate McIntosh’s body had no signs of trauma.

Any death that appears other than natural causes or from a known medical condition is thoroughly investigated by New York State Police and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations. Interviews of other incarcerated individuals in close proximity to McIntosh were conducted and video surveillance was reviewed, neither of which revealed any staff misconduct or involvement in the incident.

All deaths in DOCCS’ facilities are also reviewed by the State Commission of Correction.