PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
WAUPUN, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Another inmate has died at the troubled Waupun Correctional Institution, authorities said Monday. It’s the fifth inmate death in Waupun in a 13-month span.
According to a news release, prison officials contacted the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at 7:25 a.m. Monday “regarding an inmate death that had occurred.”
Although the Sheriff’s Office is still investigating, initial information indicates “this was likely a self-inflicted incident.”
The initial investigation also shows that at the time of discovery, staff responded rapidly and appropriately, providing medical aid in an effort to save the inmate’s life.
This incident marks the fifth inmate death at Waupun Correctional Institution since June 2023.
The first of the four inmates who died, Dean Hoffman, killed himself in solitary confinement last June.
Tyshun Lemons and Cameron Williams were both found dead at the prison in October 2023. Dodge County’s medical examiner said Lemons died from an overdose on acetyl fentanyl, a potent opioid painkiller, and Williams died of a stroke.
Then, in February 2024, Donald Maier was found dead at the prison. His death was ruled a homicide from malnutrition and dehydration.
WCI made national headlines in June when its warden and eight staff members were arrested following probes into the inmates’ deaths. The charges, which include inmate abuse and misconduct in public office, are all related to the deaths of Williams and Maier.
Additionally, in March, Gov. Tony Evers’ office said federal authorities have been investigating an apparent smuggling operation involving WCI employees.
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