ST. GABRIEL —- Officials are investigating another inmate’s death at Hunt Correctional Facility in Iberville Parish.
The most recent happened on Sunday, Jan. 18th. Sources tell UWK that first responders were called to Hunt Correctional for a heart attack.
Despite CPR efforts for upwards of 45 minutes, the man did not survive. The coroner was called in and an official autopsy will have to determine the cause and manner of death.
UWK has learned the latest inmate death is a 46-year-old man.
MORE: 37-year-old inmate dies unexpectedly on Christmas Eve
This is the most recent inmate death at Hunt since September 2025. Prior to this, the seventh death happened on Christmas Eve where a 37-year-old inmate died.
“Uptick in unexpected deaths”
Last year, the Louisiana Dept. Of Corrections acknowledged they had seen an “uptick in unexpected deaths” but could not verify an exact cause as toxicology results on some of the inmate deaths were pending. Extensive testing can take anywhere between 6-12 weeks.
The Department of Corrections confirmed there had been 15 unexpected deaths in 2025, and 33 in 2024. Their confirmation came before the Dec. 16th and Dec. 24th inmate deaths.
MORE: Dept. of Corrections acknowledges “uptick in unexpected deaths over the last several months”
UWK has learned through multiple sources drugs are a problem inside of Hunt Correctional, although the Dept. of Corrections said two of the multiple unexpected deaths last year were ‘medical-related, not substance abuse.’
In April 2025, Keithe Turner was promoted to Head Warden of the correctional center. He is a retired United States Army veteran with 26 years of military service and over 30 years of experience. He turned in his resignation on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 for his retirement in February 2026.
UWK has requested an interview with DOC officials numerous times in regard to the unexpected deaths at Hunt, so far, those requests have not been granted.
The most recent response from DOC came on Jan. 9, 2025: “As investigations continue at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections plans to provide an update to local media at the appropriate time regarding the matter.”
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on the latest news across the Capital area.
Support UWK and its mission to deliver The News You Deserve. Unfiltered. Become a monthly patron on Patreon today!
